Ancient black granite sarcophagus unearthed in Egypt next to huge stone head

A huge black sarcophagus has been unearthed in Alexandria in Egypt, buried with a mysterious stone head made of alabaster.

The stone casked was found buried 16 feet below ground during construction of new buildings, and dates from the Ptolemaic period 2,000 years ago.

Egyptian law means that owners have to excavate before building any new constructions.

The 16-foot sarcophagus was found by workers for the Supreme Council of Antiquities in the Sidi Gaber district of Alexandria.

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A layer of mortar between the lid and the body of the stone coffin suggests it has not been opened since it was sealed, experts from Egypt’s government said,

Mostafa Waziri of the Supreme Council of Antiquities said, ‘Experts have not yet determined to whom the tomb belongs.’

Waziri said, ‘The black granite sarcophagus is one of the largest found in Alexandria.’

A marble bust of a man, who might be the tomb’s owner, was also found inside.

The Ptolemaic period lasted from 332-30BCE, meaning the remains are over 2,000 years old.