Archaeologists discovered 30 ancient sarcophagi in Egypt with perfectly preserved mummies inside. Photos show the biggest coffin find in a century.
- Archaeologists uncovered 30 ancient wooden coffins in Egypt's Asasif necropolis, where the ancient city of Thebes once stood.
- They opened the sarcophagi on Saturday to reveal perfectly preserved mummies inside.
- The coffins are about 3,000 years old and were probably for priests and children.
- The discovery comes just a week after the unearthing of 30 ancient workshops and a pottery kiln nearby. Archaeologists expect to uncover more significant ancient relics in the area.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
Archaeologists in Egypt just unearthed 30 ancient wooden coffins and opened them to reveal perfectly preserved mummies inside.
A dig team stumbled upon the sarcophagi in the Asasif necropolis of the ancient town of Thebes, the Egyptian government announced on Tuesday. Thebes was once the bustling royal capital of ancient Egypt. Digging in the area - around the modern-day city of Luxor - has led to a series of findings since efforts began in December 2017.
The coffins are estimated to be 3,000 years old, far older than most other ancient relics in the area. Still, they were found sealed and intact, featuring vibrant color inscriptions and well-preserved engravings.
Archaeologists opened the coffins at a ceremony on Saturday to reveal perfectly preserved mummies inside. The intricate engravings indicate that the mummies were once highly respected people, likely priests and children.
Here's a look inside what Egyptian officials are calling the greatest coffin finding in a century.