Mysterious black sarcophagus unearthed in Egypt
A mysterious black granite sarcophagus has been unearthed during a dig in Alexandria in Egypt — buried with a stone head made of alabaster. Experts admit they have no idea who’s inside.
The stone casket was found buried 16 feet below ground during construction of new buildings, and dates from the Ptolemaic period 2,000 years ago. Egyptian law means that owners have to excavate before building any new constructions, according to metro.co.uk.
The 16-foot sarcophagus was found by workers for the Supreme Council of Antiquities in the Sidi Gaber district of Alexandria. A marble bust of a man, who might be the tomb’s owner, was also found inside.
The Ptolemaic period lasted from 332-30BCE, from the death of Alexander the Great until the rise of the Roman Empire, and saw Greek influence on areas around the Mediterranean.
A layer of mortar between the lid and the body of the stone coffin suggests it has not been opened since it was sealed, experts from Egypt’s government said.
Mostafa Waziri of the Supreme Council of Antiquities said, “Experts have not yet determined to whom the tomb belongs.”