On September 14, 2021, near the famous Step Pyramid of Saqqara, south of Cairo, Egypt, a path leads to the entrance to the southern cemetery of King Djoser. (Nariman El-Mofty/Associated Press photo)
SAQUILA, Egypt-On Tuesday, Egypt showed an ancient tomb structure that belonged to the tomb of the pharaoh King Djoser more than 4,500 years ago, after extensive restoration of the site.
This structure, known as the Southern Tomb, is mainly located underground and includes a labyrinth of corridors decorated with hieroglyphic carvings and tiles. There is a huge granite sarcophagus in the central funeral home, from the third dynasty of Egypt.
However, the pharaoh was not actually buried there, but in the famous step pyramid nearby. These two buildings form part of the Saqqara complex near Cairo-one of the richest archaeological sites in the country. According to UNESCO, the Step Pyramid is the oldest known pyramid and one of the first examples of monumental architecture in the ancient world. It is considered the source of inspiration for the Pyramids of Giza.
According to the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism, the opening of the tomb structure this week marks the completion of restoration work that began in 2006, including reinforcement of underground corridors, renovation of carvings and tile walls, and installation of lighting. As of Tuesday, the tomb is open to the public.
In addition to the Nan Tomb, there are at least 11 pyramids on the Saqqara Plateau, including step pyramids, and hundreds of ancient official tombs and other sites (395 -642).
The Saqqara ruins are part of the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis and include the famous pyramids of Giza, as well as the smaller pyramids located in Abuther, Dashur and Abruves. The Memphis site was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 1970s.
Egypt has announced a series of recent archaeological discoveries in the past year to revive its main tourism industry, which was severely hit by the turmoil after the 2011 uprising. The industry has also been further hit by the global coronavirus pandemic.
Mohamed Wagdi
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This News Originally From – The Epoch Times
