4,500 Year Old Egyptian Boat Found Near The Abusir Pyramids

Czech archaeologists have unearthed an ancient funerary boat near the Abusir pyramids south of Cairo, officials said Monday, in a discovery that could shed light on shipbuilding in ancient Egypt.

The unusual discovery of the more than 4,500-year-old remains of the 18-metre-long (59-foot) wooden vessel, which archaeologists believe belonged to a prominent member of society, was made at the Abusir South cemetery, an antiquities ministry statement said.

The remains were found buried near the mastaba's southern wall, indicating the extraordinary social position of the owner of the tomb.

The boat's length and pottery found with it shows that it could be from the end of the third or beginning of the fourth dynasty, the ministry said.