Egypt's New Pyramid

Now this is truly remarkable. A new Old Kingdom pyramid has been discovered hidden underneath the desert on the Saqqara plateau.

Built in the 6th dynasty, the pyramid is said to be 4,300 years old and is a 'subsidiary' tomb of the Tomb of Teti, founder of the 6th dynasty. Two other similar 'subsidiaries' have been found in the past, for two of Teti's principal wives, Iput I and Khuit.

Elevation of Pyramids of Iput I and Khuit, 6th Dynasty, Old Kingdom, Saqqara Plateau. Elevation drawing by Neithsabes

The pyramid had been buried under 65 feet of sand. It is 72 feet long, and 16 feet tall, and probably stood some 45 feet high when it was intact. Remnants of a white limestone casing were discovered.

The pyramid was looted in antiquity, and it remains to be seen whether the queen buried there--thought to be Sesheshet, Teti's mother--is still in residence, but there remains hieroglyphic symbols on the walls called pyramid texts which will keep archaeologists busy for some time.

The excavations are being run by Egyptian archaeologists under the direction of Zahi Hawass. It'll take a few weeks for the excavations to reach the burial chamber.

Read more about it:

• Egypt unveils discovery of 4,300-year-old pyramid, Houston Chronicle
• New Pyramid Found in Egypt: 4,300-Year-Old Queen's Tomb, National Geographic
• 4000-year-old pyramid found in Egypt Independent Online
• Hawass Announces Discovery of 118th Pyramid, Ancient History at About.com