New Pyramid Discovered
Archaeologists unearth monument to Egyptian Queen
An archaeology worker cleans hieroglyphic details on a white limestone casing at the site of a newly-discovered pyramid at Saqqara near Cairo, Egypt. (Photo:©Ben Curtis/AP Images)
Archaeologists in Egypt have unearthed a new pyramid at an ancient burial site in the desert near Cairo. The 4,300-year-old monument had been underneath 65 feet of sand.
"There was so much sand dumped here that no one had any idea that there was something underneath," said Zahi Hawass, Egypt's antiquities chief. "To find a new pyramid is always exciting. And this one is magical. It belonged to a Queen."
The structure was discovered at Saqqara, one of the best-known burial grounds for rulers of ancient Egypt. The pyramid is believed to belong to Queen Sesheshet, the mother of King Teti, who was the founder of Egypt's Sixth Dynasty. Teti ruled Egypt's Old Kingdom for nearly a dozen years before he was assassinated. Teti's pyramid, which lies in ruins, is nearby.
Scientists discovered the monument only two months ago, despite the fact that they had been digging at the site for two years. The base of the pyramid is roughly 72 feet on each side. Although the structure now stands just 16 feet tall, scientists estimate that it once was 45 feet high.
Over the next two weeks, scientists hope to reach the burial chamber inside the pyramid. They don't expect to find much there, given the large shaft found at the top of the pyramid. The gaping hole likely means that thieves robbed the site a long time ago.
Archaeologists do hope, however, to confirm that the pyramid was Queen Sesheshet's by locating an inscription of the Queen or finding her sarcophagus (stone coffin).
This latest find marks the 118th pyramid to be discovered in Egypt. While the majority of these ancient landmarks are in ruins, about a dozen remain in good condition.
Archaeologists have been excavating at Saqqara for the past 150 years. Besides pyramids, they have also discovered tombs and burial complexes. The site should continue to reveal more clues about ancient Egypt in the years to come because only about one third of Saqqara has been examined.
Discover more about Egyptian royalty in the King Tut Special Report!
TELL US WHAT YOU THINKRead today’s story and answer the following question.
 | Archaeologists discover pieces of ancient civilizations all over the world. If you were an archaeologist, what kind of discoveries would you want to make? Tell us what you think on the Scholastic News Online Blog! | |
Karen Fanning is a contributing writer for Scholastic News Online.
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