Archaeologists opened an enigmatic black sarcophagus found in Egypt see photos of the gruesome scene

Get the Full StoryREUTERS Mohamed Abd El Ghany

It's been over 24 hours since archaeologists from Egypt's antiquities ministry pried open a mysterious, 30-ton black sarcophagus, and no ancient curse has befallen the planet despite tabloid warnings.

The sarcophagus was first found earlier in July by construction workers in a residential area of Alexandria, a city on Egypt's Mediterranean coast. It's the largest sarcophagus ever found in the city.

Some observers thought it might contain the corpse of Alexander the Great, as the sarcophagus dates back to the early Ptolemaic period about 323 BC , which began after his death.

What the archaeologists found inside the sarcophagus was grisly — but it was not the earth-shattering discovery some had hoped it would be.

The three skeletons found in the sarcophagus were most likely soldiers, according to Egypt's antiquities ministry, and one skull showed signs of fractures caused by a sharp instrument.

Check out some pictures of the sarcophagus below:The sarcophagus was found in Alexandria, a city in the northern part of Egypt. Alexandria was the capital of Ptolemaic Egypt between 305 to 30 B.C. after Alexander's army conquered the region and deposed the old pharaohs.

Google Maps

Some had protested opening the sarcophagus as there were tabloid reports that an ancient curse would befall any who opened a royal coffin.

REUTERS Mohamed Abd El Ghany

While the 30-ton, black sarcophagus looked royal, the skeletons found inside were anything but. Archaeologists say they appear to be soldiers.

REUTERS Mohamed Abd El Ghany

See the rest of the story at Business InsiderSee Also:Archaeologists opened a mysterious black sarcophagus found in Egypt and they discovered a gruesome sceneDiseases spread by ticks are on the rise here's what you are at risk for throughout the US10 survival myths that might get you killedSEE ALSO: Archaeologists opened a mysterious black sarcophagus found in Egypt and they discovered a gruesome scene

Share: