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After nearly a year-long excavation, Egyptian archaeologists have uncovered the oldest mummy found yet, underneath the pyramids, and it’s completely covered in gold. The 4 300-year-old sarcophagus is believed to have belonged to a man named Hekashepes and was found at the bottom of the 15m shaft.

 “I put my head inside to see what was inside the sarcophagus: A beautiful mummy of a man completely covered in layers of gold.”

According to Zahi Hawass, director of the excavation team, the body dates back to the fifth and sixth dynasties of the Old Kingdom, which spanned from roughly 2,500 BC to 2,100 BC. The dig unearthed various artefacts, among them the mummified remains of two more ancient Egyptians, a priest known as Khnumdjedef as well as an official named Meri, who held the title “keeper of the secrets and assistant to the great leader of the palace.

The tombs were discovered at the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, believed to be the oldest pyramid in Egypt.

Recently archaeologists unearthed the mummy of a teenage boy, whose heart had been replaced with solid gold. He is believed to have died 2 300 years ago.

Ancient Egyptians buried their dead with elaborate artefacts, as well as gold to ensure their safe passage to the afterlife.

[source:sky&twitter]