Saqqara discovery: Old Kingdom tomb of Sakhntiu-Ptah unearthed

An Egyptian archaeological mission working at the Bubastion Necropolis in Saqqara has announced the discovery of an Old Kingdom tomb belonging to an individual named Sakhntiu-Ptah. The findings are the result of the first season of excavations in sector A west of the Bubastion.

The discovery includes the remains of a funerary chapel featuring an original false door. Found in situ were various alabaster ritual tools, such as an offering table, a purification basin, a pitcher, and a bowl, all bearing hieroglyphic inscriptions of the owner's name and titles. These titles, including Royal Chamberlain and Overseer of all the King's works, indicate Sakhntiu-Ptah held a high-ranking administrative position.

Additionally, the mission uncovered an interconnected system of burial shafts containing numerous human burials, large quantities of colored funerary cartonnage, and over 100 faience ushabti statues. Three stone coffins were found closed and in their original condition, alongside a wooden falcon statue and various pottery vessels. While some shafts show signs of ancient looting, the remaining artifacts remain of significant scientific and historical value.