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Metro
16-05-2025
- General
- Metro
Archaeologists discover mysterious door inside 4,000-year-old Egyptian tomb
Hiyah Zaidi Published May 14, 2025 3:08pm Updated May 14, 2025 3:08pm Link is copied Comments Archaeologists working in Egypt came across a large, pink granite door inside the tomb of a prince. It stands at more than 14 feet tall but when the researchers went to investigate, they found it was a fake door, leading nowhere. In this prince's tomb within the Saqqara necropolis (south of Cairo, Egypt), the researchers came across other items of significant interest too. So, what did they find? (Picture: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities) The 4,000-year-old tomb belonged to Prince Waser-If-Re, also spelt as Prince Userefre, who was the son of King Userkaf, the founder of Egypt's Fifth Dynasty, who ruled around 2465 to 2458 BC. The joint mission, between the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Zahi Hawass Foundation for Archaeological and Heritage, revealed that this is the first time a false door of this size has been found made of pink granite. They also found 13 high-backed chairs, each of which featured statues carved out of pink granite too (Picture: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities) The door was around four meters high and 1.15 meters wide. It was directly connected to the prince's tomb, and featured hieroglyphs carved into it. They listed the prince's names and titles, including 'Hereditary Prince, Governor of the Buto and Nekhbet Regions, Royal Scribe, Minister, Judge, and Chanting Priest'. The Metropolitan Museum of Art revealed that in ancient Egypt false doors were common as they were considered to be a symbolic gateway between the living and the underworld, and that souls could freely enter and exit the tomb (Picture: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities) Dr Zahi Hawass, a famed Egyptian archaeologist, also pointed out that the mission found a statue of King Djoser, his wife, and his 10 daughters inside the tomb. The researchers say that these statues were located inside a room next to King Djoser's step pyramid and were moved to the tomb of Prince Userefre during the Late Period (Picture: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities) Pink and red granite was reserved for royalty, since it was quarried and transported from Aswan. The researchers not only found the pink granite door and statues, but they also found a red granite offering table measuring 92.5 cm in diameter. It featured carved texts describing ritual sacrifice. The tomb also had a massive black granite statue which was 1.17 meters tall of a standing man with hieroglyphic inscriptions on his chest with the name and titles of its owner. The owner of this statue appears to date back to the 26th Dynasty, indicating that the tomb may have been reused during the Late Period (Picture: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities) Another entrance to the tomb, also adorned with pink granite, featured a cartouche of King Neferirkare. The researchers also came across the pink granite statues, which are considered the first of their kind in the Saqqara area. In total, there were 13 of them, and some heads were positioned higher than the others, which the researchers suggested represented the wives of the prince. However, two statues were without a head. Another black granite statue was found lying face down, at around 1.35 meters tall (Picture: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities) Archaeologists will now remain on site to learn more about the prince and his granite filled tomb. They will also further investigate to see why the statues of King Djoser, his wife and his 10 daughters were moved (Picture: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)
Newsweek
12-05-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Archaeologists Discover Lost Egyptian Tomb Hidden Behind False Door
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Archaeologists have uncovered a tomb belonging to an ancient Egyptian prince concealed behind a massive false granite door in the Saqqara necropolis, south of Cairo. The tomb was constructed for Prince Wussar F Ra, the son of King Usar-Kaf—one of the first rulers of Egypt's Fifth Dynasty (circa 2494–2345 BCE). The discovery was made by a joint Egyptian archaeological mission between the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Dr. Zahi Hawass Foundation for Archaeology and Heritage. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities shared the finding on their Facebook page. Newsweek has reached out to the ministry for comment via social media. Saqqara, the vast necropolis of ancient Memphis, is one of Egypt's most important archaeological sites. Home to the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser—the oldest pyramid in Egypt—it served as a burial ground for pharaohs and officials across multiple dynasties. Among the most striking elements of the discovery is a massive pink granite false door, the first of its kind found at this scale, measuring around 15 feet high and 4 feet wide. Carved with detailed hieroglyphic inscriptions, the door bears Prince Wussar F Ra's full list of titles, including "the crown prince and ruler". A split image showing artefacts archaeologists uncovered, dating back thousands of years. A split image showing artefacts archaeologists uncovered, dating back thousands of years. Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities/Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities The tomb also held a surprising array of relics from multiple periods. Notably, a statue of King Djoser, his wife, and his ten daughters was found inside the tomb. Zahi Hawass, archaeologist and former Minister of Antiquities, explained that preliminary studies suggest these statues were originally placed in a chamber near Djoser's Step Pyramid but were relocated to Wussar F Ra's tomb during later periods. The team now plans to investigate why this move occurred. A statue lying face down discovered by the archaeological mission. A statue lying face down discovered by the archaeological mission. Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities/Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Additional finds within the tomb complex include: A three-foot-wide red granite sacrificial table, engraved with a list of ritual offerings. A 3.8-foot-tall black granite statue of a standing man, inscribed with hieroglyphs. The style and engravings suggest the statue dates back to the 26th Dynasty, indicating that the tomb was reused in the Late Period of ancient Egyptian history. A secondary entrance on the tomb's eastern front, flanked by two pink granite pillars, also bearing inscriptions and cartouches referencing King Neferirkare, the third king of the Fifth Dynasty. To the north of the main chamber, archaeologists uncovered a remarkable collection of 13 pink granite statues, seated on high-backed benches. Among these statues were elevated heads representing the tomb owner's wives, and two headless figures, found near another black granite statue that was unearthed upside down, standing 4.4 feet tall. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about archaeology? Let us know via science@
New York Post
12-05-2025
- General
- New York Post
Archaeologists discover tomb of Egyptian royalty behind false door: ‘Unveils new secrets'
Advertisement Archaeologists confronted by a false door at an excavation site were stunned to find that it led to the tomb of Egyptian royalty. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery in a recent Facebook post in April. The tomb was found at the Saqqara archaeological site in the Giza Governorate of Egypt. The tomb belonged to a prince named 'Userefre' or 'Waser Ef Ra,' the son of King Userkaf. Advertisement Userkaf was the founder of the Fifth Dynasty, which lasted from the early 25th century BC until the mid-24th century BC. The door was 'adorned with hieroglyphic inscriptions detailing the prince's name and titles,' according to the Facebook post. 3 The recent findings were uncovered at the Saqqara archaeological site in the Giza Governorate of Egypt. Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities It described him as a 'hereditary prince, regional governor of Buto and Nekheb, royal scribe, minister, judge, and chanting priest.' Advertisement Archaeologists also found statues of King Djoser, his wife and his 10 daughters in the tomb, plus a red granite table with a list of funerary offerings. A large black granite statue was also found, along with another tomb entrance which was also made of pink granite. 3 An ancient Egyptian tomb was concealed by a 'massive false door,' shown at left, made of pink granite. Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities 'To the north of the lintel, a discovery considered the first of its kind in the Saqqara area was made, where a group of 13 pink granite statues seated on a high-backed bench was found,' said the Facebook post, which was translated from Arabic to English. Advertisement 'There are also statue heads at a higher level than the rest of the statues, representing the wives of the tomb owner seated in the middle, with two headless statues to the left, in front of which another black granite statue was found, overturned, measuring approximately 1.35 meters in height.' Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy expressed happiness over the discovery, and said that it helps 'unveil new secrets of this significant historical period in the history of ancient Egyptian civilization.' 3 Archaeologists also found statues of King Djoser, his wife and his 10 daughters in the tomb, plus a red granite table with a list of funerary offerings. Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities The latest discovery is one of many ancient Egyptian finds uncovered this year. In March, archaeologists announced that they'd uncovered a 3,000-year-old mining complex, complete with remnants of ancient homes, workshops and baths. In an even more significant achievement, an archaeologist from the University of Pennsylvania found the long-lost tomb of an unknown Egyptian pharaoh.
Scottish Sun
29-04-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Mysterious giant pink DOOR ‘to the underworld' is found in 4,400 year old tomb – and it hides a chilling purpose
Scroll down to find out who the tomb belonged to GATES OF HELL Mysterious giant pink DOOR 'to the underworld' is found in 4,400 year old tomb – and it hides a chilling purpose Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MYSTERIOUS giant pink door has been discovered inside a 4,400-year-old tomb, and it's thought to lead directly to the underworld. The entrance was found at the Saqqara Necropolis - an ancient cemetery full of pyramids and tombs - in Cairo, Egypt. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 A giant pink door has been discovered in a 4,400 year old tomb in the Saqqara Necropolis Credit: Jam Press/Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities 7 The discovery was made by a team of Egyptian archaeologists as part of ongoing research work at the site Credit: Jam Press/Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities 7 Statues of previous kings were also found in the tomb Credit: Jam Press/Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities 7 The stunning discovery was made by a team of Egyptian archaeologists as part of ongoing research work at the site. Pictures from the dig show the looming pink door which measures an impressive 15ft tall and 4ft wide. But not all is as it seems. Instead of a functioning door archaeologists have actually uncovered a wall carving which has been cleverly designed to look like an entrance. The carving has been decorated with inscriptions of the late tomb owner's name and grand titles, dating back to the 26th dynasty. The names include Hereditary Prince, Governor of the Buto and Nekhbet Regions, Royal Scribe, Minister, Judge, and Chanting Priest. Ancient Egyptians believed that the soul of the deceased could freely enter and exit the tomb through such a door. The tomb is thought to have belonged to Prince Userefre - the son of the Egyptian pharaoh Userkaf, who reigned during Egypt's Fifth Dynasty. The prince's burial chamber has not yet been found but excavations of the site are ongoing. King Userkaf was the founder and first king of the fifth dynasty, making this discovery particularly significant for understanding royal lineages. Mystery new 'city' found underneath Egypt's Pyramids stretching 6,500ft BELOW surface in shock discovery, scientists say Dr Zahi Hawass, an archaeologist, said that archaeologists also found a statue of King Djoser, his wife and his ten daughters inside the tomb. King Djoser reigned before King Userkaf. The inscriptions in the tomb also suggest that it may have been reused years after the prince's burial. Secretary-general of Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Dr Mohamed Ismail Khaled said this was the first time a false door made of pink granite of this size has been found. The door was discovered as part of a joint Egyptian mission - led by the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities and Heritage. This comes after archaeologists discovered the first royal tomb since Tutankhamen was uncovered more than 100 years ago. The long-lost burial place of King Thutmose II was found close to a vast burial ground known as The Valley of the Kings in Luxor. The entrance to the tomb and its main passage were initially discovered in 2022, but continued excavations found evidence linking it to the Pharaoh. Fragments of vases inscribed with the Pharaoh's name were found in the tomb, identifying Thutmose II as the 'deceased king'. Sections of a religious text and blue paint and yellow stars that were placed in the tomb of kings were also found. Archaeologists uncovered Thutmose II's mummified remains two centuries ago not far from his tomb, but the original burial site had never been found until now. The tomb was discovered as part of a joint British-Egyptian archaeological mission, and is the last missing tomb of the kings of the 18th dynasty in Egypt. King Tut's tomb is one of best preserved of all those found in The Valley of Kings, and made front pages around the world when it was discovered. The tomb was discovered by English archaeologist Howard Carter, who set about finding and excavating it in 1915. He eventually found the site of the pharaoh's remains in November 1922, but it took another three months before the archaeologist finally found the sarcophagus itself. But there was a dark side to the story – following the unearthing of Tutankhamun's remains, various figures connected with the expedition died in mysterious circumstances. These included Lord Canarvon, the financial backer of the excavation team, who died from an infected mosquito bite. Sir Archibald Douglas-Reid, who X-rayed the pharaoh's remains, was killed by a mystery illness. Carter himself died in 1939 from Hodgkin's Disease aged 64. 7 Carved hieroglyphs found inside the tomb Credit: Jam Press/Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities 7 A red granite offering table found in the tomb Credit: Jam Press/Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
The Sun
29-04-2025
- General
- The Sun
Mysterious giant pink DOOR ‘to the underworld' is found in 4,400 year old tomb – and it hides a chilling purpose
A MYSTERIOUS giant pink door has been discovered inside a 4,400-year-old tomb, and it's thought to lead directly to the underworld. The entrance was found at the Saqqara Necropolis - an ancient cemetery full of pyramids and tombs - in Cairo, Egypt. 7 7 7 The stunning discovery was made by a team of Egyptian archaeologists as part of ongoing research work at the site. Pictures from the dig show the looming pink door which measures an impressive 15ft tall and 4ft wide. But not all is as it seems. Instead of a functioning door archaeologists have actually uncovered a wall carving which has been cleverly designed to look like an entrance. The carving has been decorated with inscriptions of the late tomb owner's name and grand titles, dating back to the 26th dynasty. The names include Hereditary Prince, Governor of the Buto and Nekhbet Regions, Royal Scribe, Minister, Judge, and Chanting Priest. Ancient Egyptians believed that the soul of the deceased could freely enter and exit the tomb through such a door. The tomb is thought to have belonged to Prince Userefre - the son of the Egyptian pharaoh Userkaf, who reigned during Egypt's Fifth Dynasty. The prince's burial chamber has not yet been found but excavations of the site are ongoing. King Userkaf was the founder and first king of the fifth dynasty, making this discovery particularly significant for understanding royal lineages. Dr Zahi Hawass, an archaeologist, said that archaeologists also found a statue of King Djoser, his wife and his ten daughters inside the tomb. King Djoser reigned before King Userkaf. The inscriptions in the tomb also suggest that it may have been reused years after the prince's burial. Secretary-general of Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Dr Mohamed Ismail Khaled said this was the first time a false door made of pink granite of this size has been found. The door was discovered as part of a joint Egyptian mission - led by the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities and Heritage. This comes after archaeologists discovered the first royal tomb since Tutankhamen was uncovered more than 100 years ago. The long-lost burial place of King Thutmose II was found close to a vast burial ground known as The Valley of the Kings in Luxor. The entrance to the tomb and its main passage were initially discovered in 2022, but continued excavations found evidence linking it to the Pharaoh. Fragments of vases inscribed with the Pharaoh's name were found in the tomb, identifying Thutmose II as the 'deceased king'. Sections of a religious text and blue paint and yellow stars that were placed in the tomb of kings were also found. Archaeologists uncovered Thutmose II's mummified remains two centuries ago not far from his tomb, but the original burial site had never been found until now. The tomb was discovered as part of a joint British-Egyptian archaeological mission, and is the last missing tomb of the kings of the 18th dynasty in Egypt. King Tut's tomb is one of best preserved of all those found in The Valley of Kings, and made front pages around the world when it was discovered. The tomb was discovered by English archaeologist Howard Carter, who set about finding and excavating it in 1915. He eventually found the site of the pharaoh's remains in November 1922, but it took another three months before the archaeologist finally found the sarcophagus itself. But there was a dark side to the story – following the unearthing of Tutankhamun's remains, various figures connected with the expedition died in mysterious circumstances. These included Lord Canarvon, the financial backer of the excavation team, who died from an infected mosquito bite. Sir Archibald Douglas-Reid, who X-rayed the pharaoh's remains, was killed by a mystery illness. Carter himself died in 1939 from Hodgkin's Disease aged 64. 7 7 7
