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Egypt Unveils Ancient Mummy

By the Associated Press

Posted Feb 11, 2009 7:01 PM CST

(AP) – Illuminated only by torches and camera lights, Egyptian laborers used crowbars and picks to lift the lid off a 2,600-year-old limestone sarcophagus, exposing—for the first time since it was sealed in antiquity—a perfectly preserved mummy. Wrapped in dark-stained canvas, the mummy is part of Egypt's discovery of a burial chamber 36 feet below ground at the ancient necropolis of Saqqara. It was shown to reporters for the first time today.

Egypt's archaeology chief Zahi Hawass has dubbed it a "storeroom for mummies," because it contains eight wooden and limestone sarcophagi as well as at least two dozen mummies. The find dates back to 640 BC, or the 26th Dynasty—Egypt's last independent kingdom before a succession of foreign conquerors. Archeologists are still working on identifying the mummies; rulers of the ancient Memphis were buried at Saqqara.

Egyptian laborers are seen by a shaft that leads to the burial chamber.
Egyptian laborers are seen by a shaft that leads to the burial chamber.   (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)
Egypt's antiquities chief Zahi Hawass stands by a newly revealed mummy.
Egypt's antiquities chief Zahi Hawass stands by a newly revealed mummy.   (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)
Egypt's antiquities chief Zahi Hawass stands by a newly revealed mummy.
Egypt's antiquities chief Zahi Hawass stands by a newly revealed mummy.   (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)
Egypt's antiquities chief Zahi Hawass, left brushes away the sand to reveal a wooden sarcophagus.
Egypt's antiquities chief Zahi Hawass, left brushes away the sand to reveal a wooden sarcophagus.   (AP Photo/Mike Nelson, Pool)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Guest
Feb 12, 2009 4:18 AM CST
Where is Sam Kinison when we need him?
Guest
Feb 12, 2009 1:42 AM CST
I voted for Obama, I just don't like Nanci Pelosi.
Mad
Feb 12, 2009 12:09 AM CST
Republican humor -- It doesn't have to be funny, just insulting!

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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