Egyptian mummies dating back 2300 years unearthed

Eight limestone sarcophagi have been uncovered in a series of projects throughout Egypt this month, containing mummies dating back thousands of years.

Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered eight limestone sarcophagi containing mummies at a site 40km south of Cairo.

Egypt’s Antiquities Ministry said the mummies, dating back to the Late Period (664-332 BC), are covered in a layer of painted material known as cartonnage which comprises tightly fitting layers of linen glued together.

According to the ministry, the linen has been constructed in the form of a human, suggesting the presence of mummified remains within.

One of eight ancient mummies, painted intricately, was found inside a pyramid south of Cairo. Picture: Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities

Secretary-general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities Doctor Mostafa Waziri explained that three of the mummies are in particularly “good condition”.

He said that the mission began its excavation work in August and found the burials with eight limestone sarcophagi with mummies inside.

It is understood the coffins are being sent for restoration work.

A newly-uncovered mummy, dating back over 2,300 years, found by Egyptian archaeologists at a pyramid complex south of Cairo Picture: AFP

The ministry has since confirmed that the mummies were located in an area of King Amenemhat II’s pyramid, located in the Dahshur royal necropolis.

The necropolis was the burial site for courtiers and high-ranking officials.

This area is home to what is considered to be some of the earliest pyramids in history, including Sneferu’s Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid.

An ancient mummy covered with a layer of painted cartonnage. Picture: Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities

Archaeologists stand near an ancient mummy, found inside King Amenemhat II's pyramid. Picture: Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities

Egypt continues to reveal fresh details of its rich history.

Archaeologists recently uncovered a “massive” building that was once part of Egypt’s ancient capital city.

A stunning sphinx statue was also found at an ancient temple in southern Egypt.

In a separate project earlier this month, experts recently discovered the mummy of a woman named Pouyouor Pouya in a sarcophagus in Luxor, in southern Egypt.

She is believed to have lived during the 18th dynasty.

The woman, believed to be called Pouyou, was buried in what archaeologists call tomb TT33, one of the largest tombs in Luxor. Picture: Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities

During the same dig, another tomb nearby revealed a number of mummies in sarcophagi, according to website LiveScience.

One sarcophagus displayed hieroglyphics referring to the goddess Mut.

Archaeologists move the cover of an intact sarcophagus, inside a tomb in Luxor. Picture: Khaled Elfiqi

Further digging uncovered several other sarcophagi as well as mummies outside of a sarcophagus. Picture: Khaled Elfiqi

Archaeological digs don’t just uncover the remains of pharaohs or courtiers however, they also unearth unusual items from Egyptian life.

Experts recently found the oldest solid cheese in the tomb of Ptahmes, mayor of the ancient city of Memphis.

Researchers discovered a broken jar containing what appeared to be a hunk of 3,300-year-old cheese. Picture: Enrico Greco

In Australia, archaeologists found the tattered remains of an ancient priestess in a 2,500-year-old Egyptian coffin that was long thought to be empty.

A 2,200-year-old gold coin, depicting an ancestor of the famed Cleopatra, was also unearthed.

This story originally appeared on Fox News and has been republished here with permission.