Egyptian Coffin Is Unearthed Using Ancient Technology (Video)
Beneath Saqqara’s surface, a momentous discovery unfolded as an ancient coffin awaited extraction. Encountering an obstacle due to the collapse of the underground chamber, a team of archaeologists faced the task of moving the fragile coffin. Its considerable size and the shattered lid hinted at a possible double burial, an intriguing possibility. The inner coffin held a remarkable surprise in the form of a gilded mask, a rare find in this season's excavations. This mask, while not crafted from solid gold like that of Tutankhamen, held immense historical and religious significance.
In ancient Egypt, gold symbolized the divine flesh of their gods, and by adorning the mummy's container with golden paint, the deceased would become a living deity with golden skin. Given the fragile state of the coffin and the mask's significance, its safe removal became imperative. The team, respecting ancient traditions, utilized a winching system known as the tambora. This ancient technology, in use for millennia, gently lifted the coffin from its ancient slumber and brought it into the light after countless years. This extraordinary find not only speaks to the wealth of its owner but also to the enduring mysteries of ancient Egyptian burial practices.
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Top image: Egyptian coffin awaiting extraction, Saqqara. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Smithsonian Channel.
