4,400-year-old tomb found in Egypt

A 4,400-year-old tomb has been discovered in Egypt's Saqqara necropolis, with its original colours still intact. The tomb, which dates back to the late Fifth Dynasty of Egypt's Old Kingdom, was found by a Spanish-Egyptian archaeological team led by Spanish Egyptologist Josep Cervelló.

The tomb is located southwest of Cairo and contains two funerary chapels belonging to two high officials, Yunmen and his father, Iti. Yunmen, a senior official of Pharaoh Djedkare Isesi, commissioned the tomb, which features colourful reliefs of farming and offering processions.

The excavation was led by the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) and Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities. The discovery provides new and valuable data on the architecture, art, and administrative life of ancient Egypt at the end of the Fifth Dynasty.

## What was found The tomb is an exceptional mastaba with two funerary chapels, and its state of preservation is remarkable. Many of the reliefs and scenes have retained their original colours, showing agricultural activities and processions with offerings. The decoration also includes depictions of donkeys and other animals.

## Why it matters The discovery of this tomb is significant because it provides a unique insight into the lives of ancient Egyptians during the Fifth Dynasty. The tomb's excellent state of preservation and the retention of its original colours make it a rare find. The discovery will help archaeologists and historians learn more about the culture, social hierarchy, and daily life of ancient Egyptians during this period.

The Spanish-Egyptian archaeological team's findings will contribute to a better understanding of ancient Egyptian history and culture. The tomb's discovery is a significant addition to the existing knowledge of the Fifth Dynasty, and its study will likely shed new light on the period's architecture, art, and administrative life.