Meanwhile, in Egypt, archaeologists are opening sealed ancient coffins that have remained untouched for more than 2,500 years.

What could possibly go wrong?

On October 3, 2020, Egyptian archaeologists unsealed one of dozens of remarkably well-preserved sarcophagi discovered in the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, just south of Cairo. The event was broadcast live before journalists, officials, and invited guests from around the world.

As cameras rolled, archaeologists carefully lifted the lid from the first coffin, revealing a mummy wrapped in elaborately decorated burial linens. The mummy had lain undisturbed since the Late Period of ancient Egyptian history, making it one of the most significant discoveries in recent years.

Discovery at Saqqara

The coffins were discovered earlier in 2020 deep within burial shafts at Saqqara, one of Egypt’s most important archaeological sites. The necropolis served as the cemetery for the ancient city of Memphis, Egypt’s first capital, for more than three thousand years.

Saqqara is perhaps best known for the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, built around 2670 BC by the architect Imhotep. The vast cemetery also contains countless tombs, temples, pyramids, and underground burial complexes spanning nearly every period of ancient Egyptian history.

Because of its immense historical significance, Saqqara was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Archaeologists initially announced the discovery of 13 sealed coffins in September 2020. However, as excavations continued, the number quickly grew. Eventually, officials revealed that at least 59 sealed wooden sarcophagi had been uncovered, many stacked atop one another in burial shafts reaching depths of approximately 12 meters (40 feet).

Even more astonishing was their state of preservation.

According to Egypt’s Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Waziri, the coffins were found in “almost perfect condition,” with much of their original paint and decoration still intact after twenty-five centuries underground.

“We are very happy about this discovery,” Waziri said, calling it “the gift of the century” for Egyptian archaeology.

Khaled El-Anaby, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, right, and Mostafa Waziri, the secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, left, react after opening the sarcophagus is around 2,500 years old at the Saqqara archaeological site, south of Cairo, Egypt, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020.

Who Were the Dead?

The individuals buried within the coffins are believed to have been priests, officials, and other elite members of society who lived during Egypt’s Late Period, roughly between the 26th and 30th Dynasties (c. 664-332 BC).

Many of the burials appear to be associated with the cult of Ptah-Sokar, an important funerary deity worshipped at Memphis.

The richly painted coffins, carefully wrapped mummies, and valuable burial goods suggest that these individuals belonged to the upper levels of Egyptian society.

However, archaeologists believe that many more undiscovered burials still lie hidden beneath the sands of Saqqara.

“I consider this the beginning of a big discovery,” said Khaled el-Anany, then Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities. “Today is not the end.”

Extraordinary Artifacts

The discovery yielded far more than just coffins.

Archaeologists also uncovered dozens of funerary objects, including beautifully carved ushabti figurines, small statues placed in tombs to serve the deceased in the afterlife.

Among the most spectacular finds was a rare bronze statue of the god Nefertem, the deity associated with perfume, healing, and the lotus flower. The statue was inlaid with precious stones and stood nearly 35 centimeters (14 inches) tall.

Additional statues depicting Osiris, lord of the underworld, as well as numerous amulets and ritual objects, were also recovered from the burial shafts.

These discoveries offer archaeologists valuable insights into the religious beliefs and burial practices of Egyptians living during the Late Period.

Reviving Egyptian Tourism

The discovery came at a particularly difficult moment for Egypt.

The country’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on visitors drawn by Egypt’s ancient monuments, had suffered severe losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Political unrest during the previous decade had already placed a significant strain on the sector.

An archeology worker opens a sarcophagus at the Saqqara archaeological site, 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Cairo, Egypt, on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in the presence of journalists and officials.

Egyptian authorities hoped that spectacular archaeological discoveries such as those at Saqqara would help reignite international interest in the country’s rich heritage.

Many of the coffins and artifacts were earmarked for display at the newly constructed Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids, where visitors would eventually be able to see these extraordinary finds for themselves.

A Discovery That Keeps Growing

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the 2020 discovery was the realization that archaeologists had only begun to explore the site. Excavations at Saqqara have continued to reveal new tombs, mummies, statues, and burial chambers, confirming that the ancient necropolis still holds many secrets.

More than 4,000 years after the first pyramids rose above the desert sands, Saqqara continues to surprise archaeologists and deepen our understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization.

What Happened to the 2020 Find?

• The initial announcement in September 2020 involved 13 sealed coffins, quickly expanding to at least 59 (many with well-preserved mummies inside) from Late Period burial shafts (roughly 26th–30th Dynasties, ~664–332 BC). A follow-up in November 2020 pushed the total from the same area to over 100 painted coffins, plus statues, ushabtis, a bronze Nefertem statue, and other artifacts.
• One or more coffins were opened live on camera, revealing mummies wrapped in decorated linens. The finds were in excellent condition due to the dry environment and careful stacking in deep shafts (~12 meters).
• These belonged to priests, officials, and elites linked to the cult of Ptah-Sokar at ancient Memphis. No major scientific “bombshells” (such as unusual DNA or diseases) have dominated the headlines since, but the artifacts underwent conservation, study, and documentation as part of standard Egyptological work.

Post-2020 Developments

• Museum Displays: Many of these coffins, mummies, and associated artifacts were transferred for conservation and eventual display at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near the Giza Pyramids. The GEM had a soft/trial opening and fully opened to the public in late 2025 (with an official inauguration around November 2025). It now showcases thousands of artifacts, including items from recent Saqqara digs, helping boost tourism.
• Ongoing Excavations at Saqqara: This 2020 cache was just the start. Saqqara continues to yield major finds:
  • 2024–2025: Rock-cut tombs, mastabas (e.g., from the 2nd/3rd Dynasties and New Kingdom), a royal physician’s tomb (~4,100 years old) with rich decorations, and more Late Period/Ptolemaic material.
  • Japanese-Egyptian and French-Swiss teams have expanded the known boundaries of the necropolis and uncovered additional burials and artifacts.
  • Some newer tombs have been opened to visitors.