Someone call up Harrison Ford or Brendan Frasier, because a true gem has been unearthed in Egypt!

This massive sarcophagus is the largest excavated thus far in the coastal Egyptian city of Alexandria and as of now, the occupant is unknown.

source: Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities

The coffin measures 185 cm (72.8 inches) tall, 265 cm (104.3 inches) long, and 165 cm (65 inches) wide. The site it was found on dates back to the Ptolemaic period (305 BCE-30 BCE) and was buried 5 meters underground.

“The layer of mortar still intact between the lid and the body of the coffin indicates it hasn’t been opened since it was sealed more than 2,000 years ago,” states Ayman Ashmawy of Egypt Ministry of Antiquities.

Not only is this a very special find due to its size, but it is also in great condition. When burial sites are excavated, tombs are usually damaged from plundering and wear.

And as if this wasn’t fascinating enough, a large alabaster bust was discovered in the tomb as well. Most likely this bust depicts whomever is buried in this dark and mysterious sarcophagus.

source: Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities

If you’re a nerd like me who read every children’s book about Egypt available to you in your local library, or just like puzzling artifacts, these aren’t the only great finds this year!

In February, a hidden network of tombs was found south of Cairo in the Minya Governorate. These tombs were also likely untouched for 2,000 years and it may take archaeologists five years to work through it. A rare Greco-Roman temple was found in April. It could possible unveil secrets of the Siwa Oasis, a remote settlement in Egypt, and how this ruling shaped 200-300 BCE.

Gosh, this has me so hyped up to watch The Mummy now. (seriously though, I was WAY into Egyptian culture as a kid, no wonder I had like two friends).

Care to join me in some nostalgia and want a boozy drink to accompany you? Try out Secret of the Booze’s original Mummy inspired cocktail!

ABOUT >> Mia Reichert
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  • BIO >> Mia Reichert is a recent IUP Journalism & Public Relations graduate hailing from Pittsburgh. She loves all things music and pop culture and can't wait to adopt all the dogs.
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