Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered what is believed to be the 3,700-year-old burial chamber of a pharaoh’s daughter. The discovery is just 600 metres from a pyramid recently unearthed at the ancient royal site of Dashur, south of Cairo.
The Egyptian ministry of antiquities reported that the chamber contained a wooden box engraved with hieroglyphs – characters of the ancient Egyptian writing system.
Inside the box, archaeologists discovered four canopic jars filled with the organs of the deceased, likely a daughter of King Emnikamaw.
Canopic jars were used by the ancient Egyptians during the mummification process to store and preserve the viscera of their owner for the afterlife.
Last month, archaeologists investigating the remains of the structure found a relief with 10 lines of hieroglyphs bearing Emnikamaw’s name.
They also uncovered the remnants of an anthropoid sarcophagus, and an ancient model garden.
In a statement, Adel Okahsa, director general at the necropolis, said: ‘An alabaster… block engraved with 10 vertical hieroglyphic lines’ was among the finds. He added that a ‘granite lintel and stony blocks showing the interior design of the pyramid’ were also found. Excavation is still in its early stages and the size of the pyramid has not yet been established.
Due to the bent slope of its sides, the pyramid is believed to have been ancient Egypt’s first attempt to build a smooth-sided pyramid.
‘All the discovered parts of the pyramid are in very good condition and further excavation is to take place to reveal more parts,’ the ministry said.
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