Archaeologists have discovered the 4,400-year-old tomb of Prince Userefre in Saqqara, Egypt, dating back to the Fifth Dynasty. The tomb, belonging to the son of King Userkaf, was found by a joint Egyptian archaeological mission.
Key Discovery: The False Door
The most striking find is a massive pink granite false door, standing approximately 15 feet (4.5 meters) tall. This is the first time a false door of this scale has been discovered. Hieroglyphic inscriptions on the door identify the prince and list his titles, including "hereditary prince," "governor," and "priest".
Additional Artifacts
Inside the tomb, archaeologists found statues of King Djoser, his wife, and ten daughters. A red granite offering table and a large black granite statue were also discovered. The team plans to investigate why statues of King Djoser's family, originally from his Step Pyramid complex, were moved to this tomb.
Significance
The discovery provides insights into ancient Egyptian funerary practices and the reuse of tombs. Saqqara served as a burial ground for pharaohs and officials across multiple dynasties. The ongoing excavations promise further revelations about ancient Egyptian civilization.