16-Meter-Long Papyrus Discovered Within Saqqara Sarcophagus

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16-Meter-Long Papyrus Discovered Within Saqqara Sarcophagus

January 21st, 2023

Awake Goy

Example of one of the many fine vignettes (illustrations) from the Book of the Dead of Hunefer. Source: Public domain

An exciting discovery has been made in Egypt’s Saqqara region, where a team of archaeologists have uncovered a 16-meter-long (52.5 ft) ancient papyrus – a true historical treasure that hasn’t been seen in over a century!

The Saqqara site, a vast necropolis of the ancient Egyptian capital Memphis, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s home to pyramids, animal burials, and ancient Christian monasteries.

Part of the Saqqara necropolis near Cairo, as seen from the air. The papyrus was discovered within one of 250 caskets discovered at the Saqqara site. (Vladyslav Siaber / Adobe Stock)

Part of the Saqqara necropolis near Cairo, as seen from the air. The papyrus was discovered within one of 250 caskets discovered at the Saqqara site. (Vladyslav Siaber / Adobe Stock)

At first, scientists believed the ancient scroll to be only 9 meters long (29.5 ft), but after a thorough restoration and translation process in the restoration laboratory of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, it was revealed to measure an astounding 16 meters (52.5 ft), reports the Egypt Independent.