An Egyptian archeology mission working on the west bank of the Nile has discovered 30 intact and sealed coffins of 22nd Dynasty priests and priestesses of Egypt's deities Amun and Khonsu. During the 10th century BC, almost 3000 years ago, tomb robbers were widespread in Egypt, stealing the funerary collections found in tombs and destroying coffins and mummies. Pharaonic priests would often hide coffins to protect them. Some of the coffins are fully painted with scenes from the book of the dead and the titles of the deceased, while others are partly painted, and a few are plain. The coffins will be restored before being transported to the Grand Egyptian Museum for display in a special hall.
30 Intact, Sealed, and Painted Coffins Unearthed in Luxor, Egypt
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Some of the coffins on display were unfinished coffins. However, Dr. Hawas emphasizes that they were made in the same workshop. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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The Egyptian tourism sector has suffered from an acute deterioration in the past few years due to political and security turmoil, but the recent discoveries help revive the tourism business. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
