Archaeologists in Egypt open large black granite sarcophagus found in Alexandria

Archaeologists in Egypt have opened a large, sealed, black granite sarcophagus dating 2,300 years in the coastal city of Alexandria.

Only waterlogged skeletal remains were found in the sarcophagus
[Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities]

The discovery, announced earlier this month, triggered speculation in local and international media about its contents.

The sarcophagus, which is almost two metres high and three metres in length, was discovered last week
[Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities]

However, Al-Waziri told reporters that only skeletal remains and sewage water were found in the sarcophagus, quashing speculation that it belonged to some ancient ruler.

Archaeologists removing the sarcophagus lid
[Credit: Ministry of Antiquities]

He said the sarcophagus, weighting some 30 tons, likely belonged to a wealthy family that lived during the Ptolemaic era.

Source: The Associated Press [July 19, 2018]