Referred to around the world as the ‘cradle of civilization’, Egypt has been a literal crypt of historical secrets. The newest discovery from beneath the cradle came in the form of a massive sarcophagus, constructed from black granite. Local authorities, in the Sidi Gaber district of Alexandria, came across the tomb during a routine archeological dig for a new building construction site. Measured at 72.8 inches by 104.3 inches by 65 inches, the coffin is the largest one ever to be unearthed in the city.

What makes this ancient treasure even more extraordinary is that it has not been opened in 2,000 years, according to Smithsonian Magazine. Looters have managed to scour through multiple tombs over the centuries, but this large burial case has remained sealed with mortar. Found 16 feet below ground, the tomb is thought to date back to the Ptolemaic period (around 305 to 30 B.C). A worn down alabaster bust was found near the sarcophagus, possibly of the man inside the tomb, but the body’s identity is still unknown. We can only hope if/or when they do open the case it doesn’t unlock any Mummy style curses.

Alexandra has been neglected by archeologist for decades, due to the congestion of the metro city, home to 5 million inhabitants. But with the clear historical value the city has presented, more efforts have been placed into ‘urban archeology.’ Scroll down below for photos, videos and people’s reactions!

A massive sarcophagus made of black granite has been discovered in Egypt

It has not been opened in 2,000 years and nobody knows what’s inside

The tomb was found 16 feet below the ground in Sidi Gaber, Alexandria when an excavation team was inspecting the land for new building plans

The sarcophagus is about 8.6 feet long and more than 5 feet wide, the largest ever excavated in the city

An alabaster head was also found near the sarcophagus and is believed to be a depiction of the owner of the tomb

Watch the video below to learn more

Here’s what people had to say about opening the tomb

What do you think?

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