VIDEO:

As we explore near the surface of a recently discovered burial shaft, we may have just uncovered a coffin that is thousands of years old. It appears to be from the foreign area and is sealed, which suggests the human remains inside are well-preserved. The measurements of the coffin indicate that it may have been used to bury a baby during a later period than the burial shaft itself. The coffin was likely added after the mysterious collapse of the Old Kingdom, possibly by a family who couldn’t afford to build a tomb for their child.

The team decides to carefully remove the coffin despite the howling desert winds. They discover a necklace made of gold, part of which is inlaid with an interesting material. They also find a delicate handmade basket that was likely meant to accompany the child’s coffin into the afterlife. The coffin is carefully examined in a tent with masks to protect against inhaling ancient spores or dust. The state of preservation of the individual inside is quite poor, but they do find a pair of earrings made of ivory, which suggests that the mummy is that of a young girl. The archaeologists discover a necklace made of ceramic and quartz beads that is still in good condition despite being thousands of years old.

The girl was clearly loved and buried with care, and the objects found with her suggest that she had a name and a family. This is a humbling discovery that reminds us that this archaeological specimen was once a living, breathing person with a story. The team puts the lid back on the coffin and lets her rest. In the large burial shaft, the team finds another ceramic vessel that is complete and beautiful. These discoveries will help them understand the fall of the Old Kingdom.