Archaeological Discoveries at Saqqara in January 2025
- Vanessa Chamma
- 11 de fev.
- 4 min de leitura
Atualizado: 8 de jul.
The year 2025 began with major archaeological revelations at Saqqara, one of the most important sites in Ancient Egypt. Located about 40 km south of Cairo, Saqqara is known for being home to the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, Egypt’s first pyramid, and as a necropolis that served as a burial place for pharaohs and high officials for millennia. The recent discoveries, announced in January 2025, highlight the historical richness and continued importance of this region for global archaeology.
Egypt | Archeology | Saqqara
Tombs from the Second and Third Dynasties
A joint team of Egyptian and Japanese archaeologists has discovered four tombs dating from the Second and Third Dynasties (c. 2890–2613 BCE), periods that mark the beginning of Egyptian royalty and the consolidation of its symbols of power. Two of the tombs are mastabas (mud brick structures), while the other two were hewn directly from the rock. One of the rock-cut tombs has a sealed shaft with a limestone door, which will be opened in future excavations, generating great anticipation about what may be found inside.
18th Dynasty Tombs
In addition to the oldest tombs, the archaeological mission also uncovered more than a dozen burials from the 18th Dynasty (c. 1550–1292 BCE), a period known as the “New Kingdom” and marked by iconic pharaohs such as Hatshepsut and Tutankhamun. These discoveries confirm that Saqqara continued to be used as a necropolis even after the decline of Memphis as the capital of Egypt. The presence of tombs from this period suggests that the region was revitalized after the expulsion of the Hyksos, a people who dominated parts of Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period.
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Artifacts and Restorations
During the excavations, archaeologists also found valuable artifacts, such as alabaster vases and a solid cylindrical vessel, possibly dating back to the Second and Third Dynasties. In addition, the team carried out cleaning and restoration work in a catacomb from the Greco-Roman period, where mummified bodies, pottery, terracotta figurines and fragments of coffins were discovered. These finds offer a glimpse into daily life and burial practices throughout different eras.
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Significance of the Archaeological Discoveries at Saqqara
The archaeological discoveries at Saqqara reinforce the region’s importance as a burial site spanning multiple phases of Egyptian history. According to Nozomu Kawai, leader of the Japanese team, these finds reflect Saqqara’s “rich and multifaceted history” and highlight its central role in understanding ancient Egyptian civilization. Furthermore, the excavations indicate that the necropolis extends further north than previously thought, suggesting that there are still many secrets yet to be revealed.
Impact on Tourism and Research
Egypt has been using archaeological discoveries as a way to revive tourism, a vital sector for the country’s economy. The recent revelations at Saqqara have attracted the attention of researchers and archaeology enthusiasts, cementing the region as one of the most fascinating destinations for the study of Ancient Egypt. New excavations are expected to uncover even more historical treasures, enriching our understanding of this ancient civilization.
In short, the January 2025 discoveries at Saqqara not only expand our knowledge of Ancient Egypt, but also reinforce the role of archaeology as a window into the past, connecting us to the stories and cultures that shaped the modern world.
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