Archaeologists in Egypt have opened a mummy coffin sealed 2,500 years ago in front of a live audience. WION's Palki Sharma tells you what they found.

Gravitas: Egypt unveils 59 ancient coffins

Archaeologists in Egypt have announced the discovery of 59 well-preserved and sealed wooden coffins that were buried more than 2,500 years ago.

Egypt unveils 59 archaeologists unearth well preserved ancient coffins

As many as 14 more sarcophagi in the Saqqara necropolis in Cairo that were buried for 2,500 years have been discovered, Egypt's antiquities ministry said on Sunday.

The ministry said that the coffins were found two days ago during a dig at the burial spot where another 13 wooden sarcophagi had been found last week, reported news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-cuts-highways-across-pyramids-plateau-alarming-conservationists-327880">Egypt cuts highways across pyramids plateau, alarming conservationists</a>

The widely spread Saqqara necropolis is located about 16 kilometres (10 miles) south of the popular Giza pyramids.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2400-year-old-egyptian-mummy-unboxed-in-jaipur-after-rainwater-enters-museum-321647#:~:text=A%202%2C400%2Dyear%2Dold%20Egyptian,Albert%20Hall%20Museum%20in%20Jaipur.&amp;text=Stunned%20netizens%20shared%20the%20pictures%20of%20the%20Egyptian%20mummy%20on%20social%20media.">2,400-year-old Egyptian mummy unboxed in Jaipur after rainwater enters museum</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Various photographs of the wooden coffins show well-decorates paintings.&nbsp;

The ministry also said that excavations would take place as it expects more coffins from the site.&nbsp;

Following the discovery, earlier this month, Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anani described it "just the beginning".&nbsp;

Egypt is trying to encourage archaeological discoveries to lure tourists as the travel industry took a hit due to coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The country reopened Giza pyramids in July and other archaeological sites for the public and also removed tourist visa fees to attract holidaymakers.&nbsp; 
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As many as 14 more sarcophagi in the Saqqara necropolis in Cairo that were buried for 2,500 years have been discovered, Egypt's antiquities ministry said on Sunday.

As many as 14 more sarcophagi in the Saqqara necropolis in Cairo that were buried for 2,500 years have been discovered, Egypt's antiquities ministry said on Sunday. The ministry said that the coffins were found two days ago during a dig at the burial spot where another 13 wooden sarcophagi had been found last week, reported news agency AFP. Also read | Egypt cuts highways across pyramids plateau, alarming conservationists The widely spread Saqqara necropolis is located about 16 kilometres (10 miles) south of the popular Giza pyramids. Also read | 2,400-year-old Egyptian mummy unboxed in Jaipur after rainwater enters museum Various photographs of the wooden coffins show well-decorates paintings. The ministry also said that excavations would take place as it expects more coffins from the site. Following the discovery, earlier this month, Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anani described it "just the beginning". Egypt is trying to encourage archaeological discoveries to lure tourists as the travel industry took a hit due to coronavirus pandemic. The country reopened Giza pyramids in July and other archaeological sites for the public and also removed tourist visa fees to attract holidaymakers.

Egypt announces discovery of 27 coffins buried 2,500 years ago

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