The mystery of the 200-year-old black Sarcophagus will be solved soon as Egyptian Archaeologists has decided to open the tomb. It was unearthed in Alexandria. The nearly three-metre long by two-metre high sarcophagus was discovered in a concealed tomb below the earth during a regular survey of a plot for building construction. After studying it, the researchers informed it to be 200-year-old and that it dated back to the Ptolemaic period between 305BC and 30BC. 2000-Year-Old Black Sarcophagus Tomb Discovered by Archaeologists in Egypt, See Pics. 

Scientists who evacuated the site was also surprised when they came across an alabaster head of an unknown man who they are presuming to be the person inside the sarcophagus. The thick layer between its lid and the body of the coffin further hinted that it has never been opened since the time it was buried. Historians are speculating the relic likely belonged to a nobleman rather than a king. An official of Egypt Ministry of Antiquities, Ayman Ashmawy was quoted in Express, "We are hoping this tomb may belong to one of the high dignitaries of the period. The alabaster head is likely that of a nobleman in Alexandria."

On the other hand, the finding gave hope to scientists who believe that the tomb of Alexander the Great might one day be discovered in modern Alexandria, which is built on the top of the ancient city he founded. The engineers will visit the site to remove the sarcophagus lid with heavy-lifting machinery for the archaeologists who will then ensure that the tomb's contents are maintained.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 13, 2018 09:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).