Egyptian Authorities Unveil Spectacular Images of a Newly Discovered 4,000-Year-Old Tomb—See Them Here

Experts say the tomb could shed light on the life of Pharaoh Djedkare Isesi.

This picture taken on April 13, 2019 shows a view inside the newly-dicovered tomb of the ancient Egyptian nobleman "Khewi" dating back to the 5th dynasty (24942345 BC), at the Saqqara necropolis, about 35 kilometres south of the capital Cairo. (Photo by Mohamed el-Shahed / AFP) (Photo credit should read MOHAMED EL-SHAHED/AFP/Getty Images)

It may be more than 4,000 years old, but this newly discovered tomb in Egypt is looking mighty good for its age.

Egyptian officials are examining a remarkably well preserved tomb found in a massive necropolis at Saqqara, south of Cairo. Authorities believe it was created for a man named Khuwy, a dignitary from the Fifth Dynasty, which spanned the 25th to the 24th centuries BCE.

Egypt’s antiquities minister, Khaled al-Enani, recently provided foreign ambassadors a tour of the find, while the ministry released new photos and video footage to the public yesterday. According to the ministry, the vivid colors of the paintings inside the tomb are considered royal hues.

The findings raise questions about Khuwy’s influence and his relationship to Pharoah Djedkare Isesi, who ruled ancient Egypt during the Fifth Dynasty. Isesi’s pyramid is not far from where the tomb was found, leading some to suggest Khuwy might have been related to Pharoah Isesi.

Khuwy’s mummy and canopic jars (urns used in ancient Egyptian burials to hold the entrails from an embalmed body) were found in fragments inside the tomb, according to a tweet from the ministry. But officials believe the tomb and its contents will nonetheless shed light on Isesi, who reigned for 40 years and has been described as “enigmatic.”

Mohamed Mujahid, head of the excavation team, said the tomb is L-shaped, according to a CNN report, and has a small corridor leading to an antechamber. A larger chamber has walls covered with paintings that depict Khuwy sitting at a table for offerings. The unusual layout reflected the pharaoh’s reforms of state administration and funerary cults, with led to a new approach to tombs, experts say.

The tomb is one of a number of new finds being heavily promoted by Egypt as the country looks to revive its flagging tourist industry.

See pictures of the tomb’s stunning interiors below.

 

 

Mustafa Waziri, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of the Egyptian Antiquities, announces the discovery of a 4,500-year-old tomb that belongs to Khoi, a nobility of the Fifth Dynasty of ancient Egypt,  at the Saqqara burial ground. (Hassan Mohamed/picture alliance via Getty Images)

A view inside the newly discovered tomb of the ancient Egyptian nobleman “Khewi” dating back to the 5th dynasty at the Saqqara necropolis, about 35 kilometers south of Cairo. (Photo by Mohamed el-Shahed / AFP)

Mohamed Mujahid, head of the Egyptian mission that discovered the tomb of the ancient Egyptian nobleman “Khewi,” inspects the tomb’s walls inside the Saqqara necropolis on April 13. (Photo by Mohamed el-Shahed / AFP)

Another view inside at the Saqqara necropolis on April 13. (Photo by Mohamed el-Shahed / AFP)

Journalists filming inside the newly-discovered tomb. (Photo by Mohamed el-Shahed / AFP)

Another view inside the tomb. (Photo by Mohamed el-Shahed / AFP)

Painting inside the tomb. (Photo by Mohamed el-Shahed / AFP)

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