Egypt has made a remarkable archaeological discovery in Saqqara, revealing two of the largest workshops ever used for the mummification of human and animal remains in ancient times.

The announcement was made by Mostafa Waziri, the secretary-general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, who shared the exciting news with journalists in Giza.

Located within the expansive Pharaonic necropolis of Saqqara, the discovery encompasses two workshops and two tombs, CNN reported.

Waziri explained that one of the workshops was specifically dedicated to the mummification of human bodies. Notably, it housed washing beds where the bodies were prepared for the embalming process.

According to reports from Egypt’s state newspaper, Al-Ahram, the workshops date back to two distinct periods in ancient Egyptian history.

The first workshop, believed to be from the 30th Dynasty (380-343 BC), is a rectangular structure consisting of multiple rooms.

Inside, archaeologists found stone beds measuring approximately 2 meters (6.6 feet) in length and 50 centimeters (20 inches) in width, which were utilized for the mummification procedures.

This significant find sheds new light on the ancient Egyptian mummification practices and provides invaluable insights into the rituals and techniques employed during that era.

The discovery adds to the rich tapestry of knowledge surrounding Saqqara, reaffirming its status as a crucial necropolis and a treasure trove of archaeological wonders.

Written by staff