Egypt unveils trove of ancient coffins excavated in Luxor

Egypt revealed on Saturday a rare trove of 30 ancient wooden coffins that have been wellpreserved over millennia in the archaeologically rich Valley of the Kings in Luxor.

The Antiquities Ministry officially unveiled the discovery made at Asasif, a necropolis on the west bank of the Nile River, at a press conference against the backdrop of the Hatshepsut Temple.

“This is the first discovery in Asasif by dedicated Egyptian hands, comprised of archaeologists, conservationists and workers,” head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Al-Waziri, told reporters.

The 30 ornately decorated coffins of men, women and children were found only 3 feet underground, stacked in two rows. They are believed to belong to family members of high priests.

Waziri explained that excavations of the site in the 19th century had revealed royal tombs, but this latest discovery had yielded a collection of priests’ burials.

The sarcophagi date back to the 22nd Dynasty, founded around 3,000 years ago in the 10th century BC.

Despite their age, black, green, red and yellow paintings of snakes, birds, lotus flowers and hieroglyphics that cover the coffins are still clearly visible. “We only did remedial first-aid on these well-preserved coffins. They are considered to be in great condition because there were hardly any settlements” around the site, local Antiquities Ministry restorer Saleh a heavy-handed response from security forces.

“Some people, we don’t have to mention names, don’t want us to have these discoveries ... that impress the world,” said Enany before throngs of tourists, referring to Egypt’s detractors.

“These discoveries are priceless for Egypt’s reputation,” he added.

Enany said the “important” Asasif collection will be moved to the recently opened Grand Egyptian Museum next year. Egypt has sought to promote its archaeological heritage and recent finds in a bid to revive its vital tourism sector, which has suffered due to political insecurity and terror attacks.

However, critics point to archaeological sites and museums suffering from negligence and poor management.

AFP Beirut has been shrouded in smoke for three days following widespread protests and rioting over government tax plans. A protester waves the national flag in downtown Beirut as hundreds continued to gather on Saturday for a third day of protests against tax increases and corruption.

Reuters Painted ancient coffins are seen at Al-Asasif necropolis, unveiled by Egyptian antiquities officials in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor on Saturday.