Huge Egyptian Granite Sarcophagus Opened

[Winged Isis]

Huge Egyptian Granite Sarcophagus Opened

Fri 20 Jul 2018 03.04 AEST Last modified on Fri 20 Jul 2018 08.18 AEST

Egyptian archeologists have opened a 30-tonne black granite sarcophagus to find three decomposed mummies after sewage water apparently leaked inside.

“The sarcophagus has been opened, but we have not been hit by a curse,” said Mostafa Waziry, the head of Egypt’s Supreme Council for Antiquities, in response to news reports warning of maledictions hidden inside the tomb in the port city of Alexandria.

Waziry, accompanied by a team of specialists in mummification and restoration, instead found three mummies and a red liquid he identified as sewage water, believed to have entered the sarcophagus through a crack on its right side, causing the decomposition of the mummies.

The tomb was found buried five metres beneath the surface and the help of Egyptian military engineers was required to open the 15-tonne lid. After capturing the world’s attention because of its unusually large size, observers believed it could contain the remains of a prominent figure, with some considering the possibility that it could contain the corpse of Alexander the Great.

The sarcophagus, almost three metres across and two metres high, is believed to date from the early Ptolemaic period, which began following the death of Alexander in 323BC.

It was found during construction work in Egypt’s northernmost city, accompanied by a weathered alabaster head thought to depict one of the occupants of the tomb. Archeologists were excited because a layer of mortar beneath the lid suggested it had remained untouched since it was buried thousands of years ago.

The skulls of the three mummies found inside will now be analysed in order to identify their ages and cause of death.

Shaaban Abdel Amonem, one of the specialists in mummification who attended the opening, said initial assessments showed the trio were probably soldiers, with one of the skulls displaying evidence of arrow blows.

Waziri said the lack of death masks in precious metals, amulets, statuettes or inscriptions on the sarcophagus meant the bodies were unlikely to be those of Ptolemaic or Roman royals.

Video footage from the news website Youm7 showed a man pouring the red liquid into the street, after samples were taken to be analysed.

Photos here: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/ ... alexandria

[Dusak]

Seems to have been a lot of work and man hours constructing this only to be used for three ''common soldiers.'' Great pity the inside was contaminated before the discovery.

[Horus]

It does seem unusual, more like the size required for an Apis Bull.

[newcastle]

Seems to have been a lot of work and man hours constructing this only to be used for three ''common soldiers.'' Great pity the inside was contaminated before the discovery.

Probably initially intended for someone important.

Reburials of lesser citizens in the tombs/sarcophagi of high officials are quite common.

P.S. I think the sarcophagi of Apis bulls were much larger. 70 tonnes plus. This one doesn't look much different to sarcophagi found - some still lying - in VoK.

[Who2]

Sounds like a load of old sh*t to me....

[newcastle]

Sounds like a load of old sh*t to me....

The contents -a sort of mummy soup - certainly didn't look too appetising

[A-Four]

for The Guardian to even suggest that this plain simple granite box, was perhaps once the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great must be a joke.

I suspect that this small sarcophagus could have been made even as late as the Byzantine period, being a typical style of the then Emperors and very senior officials.

With regards to the Sacophagus of Alexander the Great, there are a number of suitable candidates around the world, one recently found in Macedonia. I believe the true one was discovered in the Necrpolis of Siden (modern day Lebanon). This seems right to me being that We understand Alexander died in Babylonia.

Today, this huge and outstandingly beautiful sarcophagus is placed in a room along with a few others, though these are nothing quite like the main attraction. I do not believe I have ever stood alone for so long simply studying the beauty of this remarkable item. The sarcophagus is in the Istambul Archaeological Museum, within the lower gardens of The Topkapi.

[Who2]

I have a feeling this is a sick joke or Trump news....
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/scie ... 58036.html

[A-Four]

I have a feeling this is a sick joke or Trump news....
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/scie ... 58036.html

If you think that is funny my dear Dr, then how about this classic one liner from none other than our old friend, Dr Zahi Hawass, while in conversation with the local media earlier this past week,...........

"If the sarcophagus is intact, it could only house a mummy. Else it would be empty".

.........which goes to show even when you try to say the obvious, it's best to stay silent.