Egypt unveils 59 mummies

This footage of an ancient sarcophagus being opened by archaeologists has gone viral.

The sarcophagus was sealed more than 2,500 years ago, the mummified remains inside wrapped in burial cloth with hieroglyphic inscriptions.

The team say they have found 59 well-preserved wooden sarcophagi over the last several weeks in the burial grounds of Saqqara, one of Egypt’s largest archaeological sites.

Dozens of statues were also found, including a bronze figurine depicting Nefertem, an ancient god of the lotus blossom.

Officials say an unknown number of mummies may still lie undiscovered.

The mummies will reportedly be taken the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is set to open in 2021.