Egypt: They find a sarcophagus of 30 tons and believe that it could act from Alexander the Great

In early July, in the port city of Alexandria, north of


Egypt
A group of archaeologists arrived with a discovery that could become the greatest discovery of all time. What is it? From a large black granite sarcophagus that could be the tomb of Alexander III, better known as Alexander the Great, Macedonian King of 336 BC. until his death in 323 BC

With almost two meters in height and three meters in length, it is the largest of its kind and
discovered intact, next to a large alabaster head that was supposed to represent the inhabitant of the
serious, according to what was published by the newspaper
The Guardian

The sarcophagus, which was discovered during construction, is now a source of excitement for researchers as a layer of mortar between the body and the lid indicates that its contents have not been removed. not changed since burial. , which took place at the beginning of the Ptolemaic period, which began right after the death of Alexander the Great. "We hope that it will belong to one of the high dignitaries of the time," said Ayman Ashmawy, head of the artifacts of the Ministry of Antiquities of Egypt. "The alabaster head is probably that of an Alexandrian noble.When we open it, we expect to find objects intact, which will help us identify that person and his position."

However, it will not be easy to reach the goal: "It's risky to open it directly, we have to get ready," Ashmawy said of the care they need to take to not alter the object. "It's hard to move it intact and open it in a museum," he said, explaining that it will be open at the same place where it was found. "It is five meters underground and weighs more than 30 tons, only the lid is 15 tons," he added.

The next few weeks will be the keys: a team of engineers will visit the site to provide heavy lifting equipment that will allow archaeologists to remove the lid

Once inside, specialists in mummification and restoration will be at your disposal to ensure the preservation of the content, which will then be exhibited for the first time in millennia.

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