Archaeologists discover mysterious black sarcophagus that miraculously hasn't been opened in 2,000 years
 
 
Archaeologists have discovered an enormous black granite sarcophagus in Egypt, with the million-dollar question being: Who's in the box? The largest sarcophagus to ever be found in the city of Alexandria, Egypt, at almost 9 feet long and 5 feet wide, the ominous black tomb likely belonged to someone of standing, Science Alert reports.
Two more details make the find even more mysterious. The first is the large, roughly-sculpted white alabaster head found in the ground with the sarcophagus — presumably a bust of whoever is inside. Then there is the layer of mortar between the lid of the sarcophagus and the rest of the tomb, indicating that it hasn't been opened in the 2,000 years since it was sealed. That's particularly rare for Egypt, where looters have been rampant for millennia, Smithsonian reports.
The burial dates back to the era of Ptolemies, between 305 and 30 B.C. While scientists have yet to open the sarcophagus, this much is certain: Even more secrets must lie inside.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
 
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
- 
 The week’s best photos The week’s best photosIn Pictures A monstrous parade, a hungry tortoise, and more 
- 
 The Week Unwrapped: Should we be eating less fat – or more? The Week Unwrapped: Should we be eating less fat – or more?Podcast Plus who will benefit from the surprise Dutch election result? And how can art improve our health? 
- 
 AI models may be developing a ‘survival drive’ AI models may be developing a ‘survival drive’Under the radar Chatbots are refusing to shut down 
- 
 Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstancesSpeed Read 
- 
 Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2 Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2Speed Read 
- 
 'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor 'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governorSpeed Read 
- 
 Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditionsSpeed Read 
- 
 Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billionSpeed Read 
- 
 Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on recordSpeed Read 
- 
 Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homesSpeed Read 
- 
 Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creatureSpeed Read 
