The ancient necropolis of Saqqara in Egypt has long been shrouded in mystery, with its underground chambers falling victim to looting and tourists collecting mummified remains as souvenirs. Auguste Mariette, a French Egyptologist, was the first to bring Saqqara to the world's attention in 1850. Subsequent excavations have revealed a rich tapestry of burials and ceremonial practices spanning over three millennia. However, Saqqara remained overshadowed by the grandeur of Luxor and the iconic Great Pyramids.
Renowned archaeologist Mustafar Wazari, appointed as the director of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities in 2017, led an expedition to Saqqara in search of an untouched relic. His team's calculated risk paid off when they uncovered the tomb of a revered high-ranking priest named Wahtye in December 2018. The tomb presented archaeologists with an unparalleled opportunity to gain insights into the daily existence of ancient Egyptians due to its near-immaculate condition.
Wahtye's tomb was meticulously crafted, adhering to a linear arrangement and comprising three primary sections: the entrance, a brief passage corridor, and the burial shafts. An opulent above-ground chapel, measuring 33 feet in length, 10 feet in width, and 10 feet in height, adorned with painted reliefs, inscriptions, and statues depicting Wahtye himself, cordially welcomed visitors. Within the lavishly decorated visitation chapel, five burial shafts of varying depths were skillfully hewn into the floor, each dedicated to specific family members, ensuring a customized final resting place.
In 2019, archaeologists discovered an ancient tomb attributed to official Khuwy near the Saqqara necropolis in Egypt. The tomb's paintings offered hints about Khuwy's identity, while a breakthrough identification revealed Queen Setibhur. These findings unveiled the secrets of Egypt's ancient past and its extraordinary civilization.
Join us on this interesting adventure into Saqqara's enigmatic underworld and witness the relentless pursuit of knowledge that brings ancient Egypt back to life.
