Essay, Research Paper: Egyptian God Osiris Tomb

Egyptians Find Tomb
Of God Osiris
2-17-2000
GIZA, Egypt (Reuters) - Sinking water levels have
revealed a granite sarcophagus of the ancient Egyptian
god Osiris in a 30-meter (98 feet) deep tomb at the Giza
pyramids, Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass said
Wednesday.

Osiris was one of the most important gods of ancient
Egypt who according to mythology was murdered by his
wicked brother Seth. He was buried by Isis, his
sister-wife, and brought back to life as judge of the dead
and ruler of the underworld.

Hawass said the sarcophagus, which he dated to 500 BC
in the New Kingdom, was surrounded by the remains of
four pillars built in the shape of a hieroglyphic 'Bir' or
'House of Osiris'.

The excavation unearthed 3,000-year-old bones and
pottery found in the underground water, he said.

"I never excavated this shaft because it was always full of
water. But when the water went down about a year ago,
we started the adventure,'' he told Reuters.

After dirt and most of the remaining water were cleared
from the shaft, located between the Sphinx and the
Pyramid of Chefren (Khafre), archaeologists found three
underground levels, with the submerged Osiris
sarcophagus at the lowest.

Many people believed there were tunnels going to the
Sphinx and another leading to the Great Pyramid but only
when we sent a young boy into a tunnel in the west wall
(of the tomb shaft) did we find this exciting discovery,''
said Hawass.


Word Count: 244