Egypt uncovers sarcophagus from reign of Ramses II
An Egyptian archaeological mission is learning the secrets of a sarcophagus belonging to a senior statesman during the reign of King Ramses II.
CAIRO — An Egyptian archaeological mission from the Cairo University’s Faculty of Archeology, headed by Ola el-Aguizy, recently unearthed the pink granite sarcophagus of Ptah-em-Wia, a statesman who held senior administrative positions under Ramses II.
Last year, the Egyptian mission first discovered Ptah-em-Wia’s tomb in Saqqara, south of Cairo. More excavation work has unearthed Ptah-em-Wia’s underground burial chamber and his sarcophagus.
Aguizy, an honorary professor at the Faculty of Archeology, told Al-Monitor over the phone that the dig has offered new information about important ancient Egyptian figures. She said the find will attract foreigners interested in Egyptian antiquities, as new discoveries always renew interest in them.
The lid of Ptah-em-Wia’s pink granite sarcophagus bears the form and face of the deceased, complete with a beard. The figure's hands are crossed on the chest, holding symbols of the god Osiris and the goddess Isis.
