Archaeologists have rediscovered long-lost ancient Egyptian tombs at Saqqara, uncovering a previously unknown offering chapel and human remains inside a limestone sarcophagus. The tombs belonged to two powerful officials, and the findings offer new evidence about family relationships, burial traditions, and religious life during Egypt’s Old Kingdom.
A Czech archaeological mission led by Professor Miroslav Bárta of Charles University uncovered the tombs of Sabu and his son, Ptahshepses. Both held important religious positions linked to the worship of Ptah, a major god in ancient Memphis.
The tombs were originally discovered between 1858 and 1860 by French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette. He identified about 160 tombs but excavated only parts of many of them. Over time, sand buried the monuments again, and their exact locations were lost. Saqqara has continued to yield major archaeological discoveries, including a 4,000-year-old tomb with colorful reliefs uncovered during separate excavations.
Long-lost Egyptian tombs reveal royal family connections
One of the most important findings concerns Ptahshepses, who served under four Fifth Dynasty kings: Sahure, Neferirkare, Raneferef and Nyuserre. According to surviving records, he was the first known official outside the royal family to marry an Egyptian princess. His wife, Khamaat, was the daughter of King Userkaf, founder of the Fifth Dynasty. Researchers also uncovered previously unknown sections of Sabu’s tomb, located north of his son’s burial site.
Archaeologists have rediscovered long-lost Egyptian tombs at Saqqara, uncovering a hidden family chapel and the mummy of a high priest who married an Egyptian princess. The remarkable findings reveal new details about life and power in ancient Egypt. pic.twitter.com/QTisw14VpC
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) November 6, 2026
The structure measures 177 feet by 92 feet (54 by 28 meters) and originally stood about 16 feet (5 meters) high. Its outer walls feature designs resembling royal palace entrances. Inside, well-preserved carvings show Sabu and Ptahshepses overseeing processions of people carrying offerings.
The team also discovered an offering chapel belonging to Sabu’s wife, Ikhetneferet. Its false door depicts her alongside her husband and their sons, Ptahshepses and Ranefer. The discovery adds to growing evidence about the lives of ancient Egyptian officials.
Ancient Egyptian mummy survives tomb looting
Using satellite images and archaeological surveys, researchers relocated Ptahshepses’ tomb, which covers more than 900 square meters. A descending passage on its eastern side leads to a burial chamber containing a limestone sarcophagus. Although ancient thieves had removed jewelry and other valuables, parts of Ptahshepses’ mummy survived.
Egyptian anthropologists examined the remains and concluded that he died after age 60, an advanced age for the period. Their findings agree with inscriptions describing his life. Other ancient Egyptian tomb discoveries at Saqqara have also revealed remarkably preserved mummified remains.
Bárta said the discoveries provide new evidence about the Fifth Dynasty, including how family ties and political influence may have shaped positions of power. He also pointed to findings concerning ancient mummification practices. The Czech mission continues to study and restore the tombs while searching for additional monuments at Saqqara.
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