4,300-year-old Egyptian mummy wrapped in gold is thought to be the oldest EVER trends now
Archaeologists have uncovered a 4,300-year-old mummy wrapped entirely in gold near the Step Pyramids - and it could be the oldest ever found.
The man, named 'Hekashepes,' was found inside a limestone sarcophagus at the bottom of a 50-foot-deep shaft.
The discovery is part of a group of fifth and sixth-dynasty tombs found 19 miles south of Cairo, which officials hope will revive tourism in the region.
The excavation team also uncovered a trove of beautiful life-size statues carved to resemble servants, men, women and families.
The 4,300-year-old mummy was found laced with gold. Archeologists believe it si the oldest found yet, along with the most complete
Archaeologists found several tombs in Egypt. Pictured is the door that stood in front of the tomb at the bottom of the shaft
'Unfortunately, the expedition did not find any inscriptions that might identify the owners of these statues,' Egyptologist Zahi Hawas, who led the dig, pointed out.
The Saqqara site is part of a sprawling necropolis at Egypt's ancient capital of Memphis that includes the famed Giza Pyramids and smaller pyramids at Abu Sir, Dahshur and Abu Ruwaysh.
The ruins of Memphis were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in the 1970s.
Two shafts were discovered at the site, one with the remains of Hekashepes and the other 30 feet deep, leading to three other tombs and numerous statues.
'The most important tomb belongs to Khnumdjedef, an inspector of the officials, a supervisor of the nobles, and a priest in the pyramid complex of Unas, the last king of the fifth dynasty,' Hawass said.
'The tomb is decorated with scenes of daily life.'
Another tomb belonged to Meri, 'keeper of the secrets and assistant to the great leader of the palace.'
Meri was a highly trusted man of an ancient king and oversaw the Pharaoh's archive documents.
He
