Archaeologists have uncovered a colossal tunnel beneath an ancient temple near Alexandria, Egypt, sparking speculation that it may lead to the long-lost tomb of Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Egypt.
The discovery of the massive tunnel, concealed 40 feet beneath the ground just west of Alexandria, has sent shockwaves through the archaeological community. Excavating the tomb of Jifai-Hapi, an ancient governor during Egypt's Middle Kingdom, archaeologists stumbled upon a hidden chamber belonging to his daughter, Edi.
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the finding in an October 2, 2024, Facebook post. Jifai-Hapi, also known as Djefaihapi, was a prominent ruler in Ancient Egypt, with his burial chamber being the largest non-royal cemetery of its time.
Uncovering Cleopatra's Lost Tomb? Ancient Tunnel Discovered in Egypt
Excavations, led by the University of Sohag in Egypt and the Free University of Berlin, revealed the daughter's burial chamber approximately 50 feet below ground. Intriguingly, it contained two coffins, one nestled within a slightly larger outer coffin.
The larger coffin, elaborately painted, measured 2.62 meters (8.5 feet), while the smaller one was 2.30 meters (7.5 feet). Historians speculate that the coffins could hold clues about the Middle Kingdom, often overshadowed by the Old Kingdom and the New Kingdom periods.
Uncovering Cleopatra's Lost Tomb? Ancient Tunnel Discovered in Egypt
The discovery has garnered excitement among Egyptologists, with Joann Fletcher, a University of York professor, emphasizing the Middle Kingdom's cultural significance, as evidenced by the exquisite paintwork on the outer coffin.
Excavations also unearthed a small coffin lid, canopic jars, and wooden structures within the burial chamber. While ancient tomb raiders had breached the site, skeletal remains remained for scientific analysis.
Uncovering Cleopatra's Lost Tomb? Ancient Tunnel Discovered in Egypt
Initial examinations suggest that the governor's daughter succumbed to an unknown illness before the age of 40 and suffered from a congenital foot defect. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities plans to conduct further research and excavations to uncover more about the governor and his daughter's lives.
The ancient tunnel, hidden beneath the temple, remains enigmatic. Speculation abounds that it may lead to Cleopatra's lost tomb, her burial site unknown since her death in 30 B.C. While the connection remains unsubstantiated, the mere possibility has ignited imaginations worldwide.
Uncovering Cleopatra's Lost Tomb? Ancient Tunnel Discovered in Egypt
As excavations progress, historians hope to unravel the mysteries that lay beneath the sands of Egypt, shedding light on the lives of ancient rulers and the era they presided over. The discovery of the tunnel and the governor's daughter's tomb promises to contribute significantly to our understanding of the Middle Kingdom and its enigmatic rulers.
