Egypt said it has discovered a collection of more than 13 intact sealed coffins, dating back to 2,500 years ago.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in a statement said the coffins were found at an archaeological site in Saqqara necropolis in Giza adding that the coffins, along with three sealed niches, were unearthed inside an 11-meter-deep shaft.

Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Minister, Khaled al-Anany and the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), Mostafa Waziri visited the site on Sunday and inspected the excavation work in the shaft.

The minister said, “The discovery marks the largest number of coffins found in one burial place since the discovery of the Asasif Cachette,’’ referring to the discovery of 30 ancient coffins in October 2019 at Asasif cemetery in Upper Egypt’s Luxor Province.

Waziri, who leads the Egyptian archaeological mission in Saqqara told newsmen that “The discovery in Saqqara includes a wonderful collection of coloured wooden coffins whose colours and inscriptions are still in a good condition despite the passage of 2,500 years.’’  

The secretary further said the exact number of the unearthed coffins, and the identity and titles of their owners, have not yet been determined adding that they will be found out in the coming few days as the excavation work still continues.

In the words of Waziri, “The mission continues excavation work on the site and it is expected to result in many other new discoveries of shafts, coloured wooden coffins and statues.’’

Initial studies have shown that the coffins are completely sealed and have not been opened since they were buried inside the shaft, the ministry said.