Archaeology & History

Ancient Egyptian coffin found in Israel

By T.K. Randall
April 13, 2014

Image: The Mortuary Complex of Menkaure, Egypt
Credit: Noureddin Abdulbari / CC BY-SA 4.0 (adapted) Thought to date back 3,300 years, the ancient coffin was unearthed in Israel's northern Jezreel Valley and is believed to contain the remains of a local nobleman who lived during the reign of pharaoh Seti I.

Not only is the discovery the first of its kind in the region in over half a century but it also helps to cement the idea that Egypt's influence penetrated deep in to Israel and beyond during ancient times.Archaeologist Ron Beeri believes that the presence of the pharaoh's seal within the coffin suggests that the deceased was a wealthy individual who likely carried out some important role on behalf of the Egyptians.

"We can't rule out the possibility that it may simply be a wealthy person who knew the Egyptian burial customs and preferred to be buried like an Egyptian, but in my opinion this possibility is less likely," he said.

Source: Reuters

Tags: Israel, Egypt