A new discovery of 17 mummies from an ancient burial chamber in Egypt sparked new enthusiasm among the archaeologists. The tourism sector of the African nation regains new momentum.
A few days ago the archaeologists in Egypt excavated a burial chamber that was stocked with 17 mummies. A string of discoveries in the recent months has already increased the curiosity of the people who are enthusiastic about the archaeological excavations. No doubt this new revelation unveils a great opportunity to boost the struggling tourism field of this popular African nation.
Last year a team of students from the Cairo University first detected this burial chamber using radar, Reuters reported. This funerary site was revealed almost eight meters below from the ground in Minya and contained clay sarcophagi, limestone, animal coffins. The site also uncovered a papyrus that is inscribed with the Demotic script. Most importantly Minya, the excavation province is located 250 km south of Cairo in Egypt.
Mohamed Hamza, the dean of a Cairo University archaeology and the in charge of the excavations, opines significantly about these 17 mummies. It is believed that the mummies must belong to the Greco-Roman period of Egypt, though no specific date has yet been dated, Hamza stated. The interesting fact is the Greco-Roman period includes a 600-year span that was followed by Alexander the Great's invasion in 332 BC.
It is expected that the latest discoveries will brighten the image of Egypt abroad and will rejuvenate the interest and enthusiasm of the travelers. Previously the tourists flocked to see the pyramids and the pharaonic temples, though a rapidly decreasing trend is visible after the political uprising in 2011. Khaled Al-Anani, the Antiquities minister of the nation, opines that 2017 is a historic year for the archaeological discoveries. He utters that their ancestors are lending them a helping hand to bring the tourists back.
According to Salah Al-Kholi, the professor who led this mission, said that the burial chamber must have probably 32 mummies. These mummies must include children, infants, and women. The Science Times also reported a recent discovery of a new burial chamber at the Dahshour royal necropolis in Cairo in Egypt. This chamber dated back approximately 3,700 years ago and belongs to the daughter of the 13th Dynasty king Emnikamaw.
Yehia Rashed, the tourism minister of Egypt, utters that the new findings of the last month will increase the number of tourists in 2017. The tourism minister hopes that the number will reach to 10 million from 9.3 million in 2015. Though, it is far below from 14.7 million in 2010.
In Egypt, the tourism sector plays a significant role in earning the hard currency. But the current status of the country reveals that the nation is struggling to revive the sector amid the increasing militant attacks. The recent revelation of 17 mummies could play a major role in attracting the visitors from abroad once again.
