Sarcophagus found of Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh by US archaeologist

A group of archeologist from the University of Pennsylvania discovered a 3,800 year old quartzite sarcophagus last year in Abydos and have finally identified it as the 13th dynasties first pharaoh, Sobekhotep I.  Many scholars believe Sobekhotep I ruled for about three years between 1780 and 1777 B.C.

Other than being listed on the Karnak king list, a stone engraved list of sixty-one early Egyptian kings composed during the reign of Thutmose III who ruled between 1479–1425 BCE, during the 18th Dynasty and the Turin King List, a papyrus written during the reign of Ramesses II who ruled between 1279–1213 BC, during the 19th Dynasty, very little was known about the pharaoh until the recent sarcophagus discovery.

Drawing of the Karnak King List

Drawing of the Turnin King List

The 60 ton tomb, once housed by a pyramid which no longer stands, was determined to be of Sobekhotep I once fragments of a slab were found at the site with the pharaoh’s name and image of him sitting on a throne.

fragments of sarcophagus

In addition to the sarcophagus, archaeologists found parts of canopic vases which were traditionally used to preserve the internal organs of the deceased, along with funerary objects and gold ornaments owned by the king.