This comes against the backdrop of the Egyptian-Japanese archaeological mission, which has unearthed tombs, mastabas, and burials.

The discoveries, which include structures and artefacts from the 2nd, 3rd, and 18th Dynasties, expand the known boundaries of the Saqqara necropolis and shed light on its evolving role through different periods of Egyptian history.

The excavations, conducted on the eastern slope of Saqqara, revealed four mastaba tombs from the late 2nd Dynasty and early 3rd Dynasties and over 10 burials from the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom.

“This new evidence suggests that Saqqara was not only a major burial site during the Old Kingdom but also became significant during the New Kingdom when Memphis was reinstated as Egypt’s capital following the expulsion of the Hyksos,” said Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA). He highlighted the importance of these findings, noting that they indicate the Saqqara necropolis extends further north than previously believed.

He stressed that the site still holds many untold secrets, offering immense potential for future discoveries.

Mohamed Abdel-Badie, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, provided detailed descriptions of the tombs.

Among the finds are two mudbrick mastabas and two rock-cut tombs. One tomb, located near the northern edge of the Saqqara plateau, features a limestone-sealed shaft leading to a burial chamber. The other mastaba, situated near the rocky slope, comprises a mudbrick superstructure and a central rectangular shaft.

Artefacts discovered near the tombs include an alabaster dish, a solid cylindrical vessel dating to the late 2nd and early 3rd Dynasties, and a limestone sealing. These finds provide further insights into burial practices and material culture of the time.

Nozomu Kawai, the Japanese mission leader, stated that the excavation work is a collaboration between the SCA and Japan’s Kanazawa University.

He continued that the team also restored and cleaned Greco-Roman catacombs that had been discovered during previous seasons. These efforts uncovered mummified remains and a collection of artefacts, including terracotta models of funerary shrines, fragments of Isis and Aphrodite figurines, wooden coffin pieces, and pottery shards.

“These findings reflect the rich and multi-layered history of Saqqara and underscore its importance as a burial site spanning multiple eras,” he said, noting that such discoveries deepened understanding of Egypt’s ancient civilization and enhanced its global cultural significance.

The mission plans to continue its work in the next excavation season, hoping to uncover even more hidden treasures within Saqqara. These ongoing efforts will not only expand knowledge of Egypt’s ancient past but also contribute to the preservation and promotion of its cultural heritage for future generations.