Egyptian archaeologists have discovered a new pyramid in Saqqar, near Cairo under 23 feet (7 meters) of sand. It is thought to be the 4,300 year old tomb of Queen Sesheshet, mother of the Pharaoh Teti who founded the 6th Dynasty. It is thought to be the third satellite pyramid of the tomb of Teti; two others found around 100 years ago and in 1994 were dedicated to the pharoah's two principle wives Iput I and Khuit respectively. The remains were a 16 foot (5 meter) base and a white limestone casing for the pyramid. It is estimated to have stood at 14 meters tall with a 22 metre square base and walls at a 51 degree angle. The discovery is part of the sprawling necropolis and burial ground of the capital of Egypt's Old Kingdom, about 12 miles south of Giza used by the rulers of ancient Memphis.
Zahi Hawass, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) in Egypt said:
"I always say you never know what the sands of Egypt might hide...You can discover a tomb or a statue, but to discover a pyramid it makes you happy. And a pyramid of a queen—queens have magic."
A shaft was found to be dug into the funerary chamber, so archaeologists are not expecting to find Sesheshet's mummified remains when they reach the chamber. The excavation is ongoing and the team of archaeologists are still a fortnight away from entering the burial chamber. It is hoped inscriptions will still be inside the tomb for study.
Source: National Geographic Daily News
See also: http://www.archaeologynews.org
