A sealed, 30-ton, black granite sarcophagus was recently discovered during a construction survey in Alexandria, Egypt. The burial site was initially dated to the Ptolemaic period (ca. 323-30 BC), although some archaeologists believe that the sarcophagus itself may date to an earlier Egyptian period and was re-used at a later date. The Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities oversaw the opening of the sealed sarcophagus and discovered that it was filled with sewer water and contained three skeletons. A preliminary examination of the remains by Egyptian mummy specialists suggests the skeletons may belong to three soldiers, as one of the skulls displays indications of an arrow-wound. An alabaster head of a man was also discovered near the burial site, indicating it may represent one of the occupants of the tomb. The Old Testament book of Daniel describes in detail specific prophecies about the Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt (i.e., the "kings of the South" in Daniel 11). In the New Testament, Alexandria was hometown of Apollos (Acts 18:24) and an important center of Christianity during the first few centuries of the Church.
Off-site Links:
- https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2018/07/news-alexandria-egypt-coffin-sarcophagus-archaeology/
- http://luxortimesmagazine.blogspot.com/2018/07/breaking-news-alexandria-sarcophagus.html
- https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/4/54322/LIVE-UPDATE-Opening-of-ancient-sarcophagus-in-Alexandria
