© Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities/FacebookAccording to the archaeologists who led the dig, the black granite sarcophagus stands at 185 centimeters tall (6 feet), 265cm long (8.6 ft), and 165 cm wide (5.4 ft). It's said to be the largest ever found in Alexandria
The massive stone casket was buried more than 16 feet beneath the surface alongside a huge alabaster head - likely belonging to the man who owned the tomb.
Experts say the ancient coffin has remained untouched since its burial thousands of years ago during the Ptolemaic period.
According to the archaeologists who led the dig, the black granite sarcophagus stands at 185 centimeters tall (6 feet), 265cm long (8.6 ft), and 165 cm wide (5.4 ft). It's said to be the largest ever found in Alexandria
Researchers working under the Supreme Council of Antiquities discovered the ancient tomb during an excavation in the Sidi Gaber district of Alexandria.
The team was inspecting a resident's land ahead of digs planned for the foundation of his building at Al-Karmili Street when they stumbled upon the remarkable Ptolemaic burial 5 meters deep.
© Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities/FacebookArcheologists also found a huge alabaster head – likely belonging to the man who owned the tomb.
According to the archaeologists who led the dig, the black granite sarcophagus stands at 185 centimeters tall (6 feet), 265cm long (8.6 ft), and 165 cm wide (5.4 ft).
A layer of mortar identified between the lid and body of the stone coffin indicates it has not been opened since it was sealed off, says Dr. Ayman Ashmawy, Head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector.
Just who is buried inside, however - and the identity of the man in the alabaster carving - remains a mystery.
Researchers working under the Supreme Council of Antiquities discovered the ancient tomb during an excavation in the Sidi Gaber district of Alexandria. The team was inspecting a resident’s land ahead of digs planned for the foundation of his building at Al-Karmili Street
The massive stone casket was buried more than 16 feet beneath the surface alongside a huge alabaster head - likely belonging to the man who owned the tomb
Back in May, the Antiquities Ministry announced the discovery of yet another Ptolemaic find.
© Egyptian Ministry of AntiquitiesThe huge red brick building was likely part of a Greco-Roman era bath, says Dr. Ayman Ashmawy, Head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities. It is roughly 16 meters long and 3.5 meters wide
Alongside the 52-foot-long red brick structure, archaeologists also found pottery vessels, terracotta statues, bronze tools, a chunk of engraved stone, and a statue of a ram.
The most remarkable artifact, however, is among the smallest.
A gold coin depicting the face of King Ptolemy III, a 3rd century BCE ruler said to be an ancestor of Cleopatra, was also discovered at the site.
© Egyptian Ministry of AntiquitiesThe most remarkable artifact, however, is among the smallest. A gold coin depicting the face of King Ptolemy III, a 3rd century ruler said to be an ancestor of Cleopatra, was also found at the site
It measures 2.6 centimeters across, and weighs roughly 28 grams. On the side opposite the portrait, letters translating to 'Land of Prosperity' were engraved, along with the name of the king.
The huge red brick building was likely part of a Greco-Roman era bath, says Dr. Ayman Ashmawy, Head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities.
It is roughly 16 meters long and 3.5 meters wide.
As work continues at the archaeological site, the researchers hope to uncover more details about the building and its function many centuries ago.
Excavations over the last few years have unearthed countless remarkable artifacts from ancient Egypt, which the country hopes will spur tourism to the area.
Reader Comments
Because they aren't talkin'. Have to spirit this big guy off to the Smithsonian for quiet keeping.