Ramesside tomb of Egypt's royal ambasador discovered at Saqqara

New Kingdom tomb discovered at Old Kingdom site at Saqqara, a find that officials say will transform the location into an even greater tourist attraction

by Nevine El-Aref , Thursday 8 May 2014

Journalists, photographers and top officials flocked to a site south of Unas Pyramid causeway at Saqqara necropolis on Thursday to admire a newly discovered tomb that, according to experts, "will change the history of the necropolis."

Archaeologists from Cairo University stumbled upon what is believed to be the tomb of Paser – Egypt’s royal ambassador to foreign countries during the late Ramesside period as well as the army archives holder.

The tomb is temple-shaped and consists of a portico entrance, pillars hall and a peristyle court, which contains the main burial shaft in the centre and opens directly onto a sanctuary with three rooms.

"It's a vey important discovery that add more to Egypt’s history and political status with its neighbouring countries," Antiquities Minister Mohamed Ibrahim told Ahram Online.

He explained that ancient Egyptian tombs are only found in two shapes – mastaba or rock hewn – but that this particular one is temple-shaped and ends with a peramidion, which means that the tomb's designer used a new architect that combined the shapes of both temples and tombs.