Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered the tomb of Prince Waserif Re, son of King Userkaf, founder of the Fifth Dynasty, at the Saqqara necropolis. The multi-chamber tomb features a 15-foot-tall pink granite false door inscribed with the prince's name and titles, a red granite offering table, and statues of Third Dynasty pharaoh Djoser, his wife, and ten daughters that were moved there during the Late Period. A black granite statue with hieroglyphic inscriptions from the 26th Dynasty suggests the tomb was reused nearly 2,000 years after its original construction. The joint Egyptian mission was led by the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Dr. Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities and Heritage.
The discovery sheds new light on ancient Egyptian burial practices and the reuse of tombs across dynasties, highlighting the enduring significance of the Saqqara necropolis. The involvement of Zahi Hawass, a prominent and sometimes controversial archaeologist, adds public interest to the find. This excavation underscores the continued importance of archaeological work in Egypt for understanding the country's rich cultural heritage and attracting global attention to its ancient history.