13 enigmatic mummies discovered in an Egyptian well

Egypt has unveiled a puzzling group of coffins, believed to house human mummies sealed away for over 2,500 years.

The 13 intact coffins, discovered stacked within a well nearly 40 feet (12 meters) deep, are remarkably well-preserved, with intricate designs and vibrant colors still visible, according to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

Archaeologists uncovered the coffins at Saqqara, a historic site 20 miles south of Cairo, which also hosts the ancient Step Pyramid, the oldest pyramid in the world. More discoveries are expected at the site in the coming days.

In a tweet, Khaled El-Enany, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, expressed the 'indescribable feeling' of witnessing a new archaeological discovery.

The discovery comes just a week after Egypt reopened its archaeological sites and museums to the public, following a months-long closure due to the global coronavirus pandemic in March.

Tourism is a key pillar of Egypt's economy, which saw over 13.6 million visitors in 2019, with more than one million people employed in the sector.

This recent discovery follows earlier finds at Saqqara, where in April, archaeologists uncovered four coffins containing mummies, alongside five limestone sarcophagi in a burial shaft.