An ancient sarcophagus was found under a site allocated for the construction of Banha University Specialised Hospital in Qalyubiya, some 45km northeast Cairo. The sarcophagus was found during the process of the preliminary digging for the foundation of the hospital. According to Egyptian law, the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) should check that a site is free of antiquities before any construction work can take place.
The sarcophagus has been moved from the site to the Qalyoubiya Antiquities Department where it should undergo restoration.
According to Mostafa Waziri, Secretary General of the SCA, the process of moving the 62-ton-sarcophagus was done while observing strict standards. Experts from the SCA and the Grand Egyptian Museum had already carried preliminary restoration works on site before the coffin was moved. The works involved mechanical cleaning and reinforcement of both the ancient coffin and its lid.
The coffin is made of quartz, and belongs to the era of King Psamtik I from the 26th Dynasty, who ruled Egypt in 664 – 610BC, said Muhammad al-Saidi, Director of the Scientific Office of the SCA. Initial studies indicated that the sarcophagus belonged to a high-ranking official, the chief of the scribes during King Psamtik I’s reign, Mr Saidi said. He explained that there was an inscription in deep relief under the lid of the coffin, of the cartouche of King Psamtik I.
The SCA confirmed it would carry on with excavating the site, to ensure no other antiquities are buried there.
Watani International
5 March 2024