A previously unknown pyramid, recently unearthed in the Giza Necropolis, is linked to an enigmatic ancient pharaoh whose identity has been lost to time.
A Century After Tutankhamun, Giza Yields New Secrets
One hundred years following the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, the Giza Necropolis continues to reveal archaeological treasures. A team from the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities, led by renowned archaeologist Zahi Hawass, has uncovered a hidden pyramid containing the mummified remains of at least 300 individuals.
These individuals are believed to have been part of the entourage of an unrecorded pharaoh, buried in close proximity to Tutankhamun’s tomb. Here’s what we know so far.
300 Mummies and a Maze of Tunnels
The discovery, made after two years of excavations at the Saqqara site, approximately 32 kilometers from Cairo, includes not only 300 mummies but also a collection of coffins, artifacts, and a network of interconnected tunnels. Some coffins belonged to high-ranking generals who served as trusted advisors to Tutankhamun, likely from his ascension to the throne until his death at age 19.
Additionally, researchers uncovered a burial shrine dedicated to Teti, the first king of the 6th Dynasty. “Teti was revered as a god during the New Kingdom, so people desired to be buried near him,” Hawass explained to Live Science via email.
The findings include 22 wells, some as deep as 18 meters, containing tombs from the New Kingdom—Tutankhamun’s era—as well as burials from the Old Kingdom and Late Period.
Who Was the Pyramid Built For?
The mummies, clearly distinguished as male and female, are accompanied by detailed scenes from the Book of the Dead. Each sarcophagus bears the name of the deceased and offerings to the four sons of Horus, the Egyptian god tasked with safeguarding the organs preserved in special containers during mummification.
Despite millennia of looting and environmental challenges, the mummies are remarkably well-preserved. “This demonstrates that mummification peaked during the New Kingdom,” Hawass noted. “Some coffins have double lids, and one extraordinary coffin features a solid gold mask of a woman.”
Analysis of the pyramid’s structure revealed it was constructed for Queen Neith, a previously undocumented figure. According to Hawass, this discovery could “fundamentally reshape our understanding of history.”
