Ancient Egyptian Sarcophagi Discovered Near Cairo, Featuring Cat Mummies

Seven ancient sarcophagi, some over 6,000 years old, were discovered in Saqqara, near Cairo, according to Egypt’s Antiquities Minister Khaled el-Enany. The excavation, led by an Egyptian archaeological team since April, revealed three tombs for cats and one belonging to Khufu-Imhat, overseer of royal palace buildings.

Additionally, the mission unearthed the first known mummies of scarabs in the region, found inside a limestone sarcophagus adorned with painted scarabs. Other findings included dozens of cat mummies, 100 wooden gilded cat statues, a bronze statue of the cat goddess Bastet, and wooden sarcophagi for cobras and crocodiles, highlighting the significant role of animals in Ancient Egyptian culture.