Archaeology breakthrough as scientists discover 'door to the afterlife' in Egypt

Archaeologists have unearthed a mysterious door in a 4,400-year-old ancient Egyptian tomb. Standing 15 feet high and four feet wide, it appears like a normal door, but is permanently sealed. This is the largest discovery of its type in Egypt, offering insights into how far its ancient civilisation went to ensure its dead were given peace. Whilst most false doors from this era were crafted from limestone, this particular example was made from pink granite, matching the 13 high-backed chairs and statues found with it.

The burial chamber reportedly belonged to a prince named Userefre, with the granite reflecting his high status in society as the nearest quarries were approximately 400 miles away. Elaborate hieroglyphic carvings detailing the prince's life and his many titles were etched into the door. Some of his many names include Hereditary Prince, Governor of the Buto and Nekhbet Regions, Royal Scribe, Minister, Judge and Chanting Priest.

Ronald Leprohon, professor emeritus of Egyptology at the University of Toronto, told The Archaeologist that "before this discovery, we didn't even know he existed".

Dr Melanie Pitkin from Cambridge University outlined the importance of the doors within ancient Egyptian culture.

She said: "False doors were intended to serve as portals that allowed the life force - or "ka" - of the deceased to move back and forth between the tomb and the afterlife.

"Family members and priests would come to the tomb where the false door was standing, where they would recite the name of the deceased and his for her achievements and leave offerings.

"The ka of the deceased would then magically travel between the burial chamber and the netherworld. It would come and collect the food, drink, and offerings from the tomb to help sustain it in the afterlife."