Archaeologists discover mysterious black sarcophagus that miraculously hasn't been opened in 2,000 years
Archaeologists have discovered an enormous black granite sarcophagus in Egypt, with the million-dollar question being: Who's in the box? The largest sarcophagus to ever be found in the city of Alexandria, Egypt, at almost 9 feet long and 5 feet wide, the ominous black tomb likely belonged to someone of standing, Science Alert reports.
Two more details make the find even more mysterious. The first is the large, roughly-sculpted white alabaster head found in the ground with the sarcophagus — presumably a bust of whoever is inside. Then there is the layer of mortar between the lid of the sarcophagus and the rest of the tomb, indicating that it hasn't been opened in the 2,000 years since it was sealed. That's particularly rare for Egypt, where looters have been rampant for millennia, Smithsonian reports.
The burial dates back to the era of Ptolemies, between 305 and 30 B.C. While scientists have yet to open the sarcophagus, this much is certain: Even more secrets must lie inside.
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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
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