Israeli archaeologists discover rare sarcophagus, scarab ring from when pharaohs ruled area

This undated photo released by Israel’s Antiquities Authority shows a sarcophagus found at Tel Shadud, an archaeological mound in the Jezreel Valley. Israeli archaeologists have unearthed a rare sarcophagus featuring a slender face and a scarab ring inscribed with the name of an Egyptian pharaoh, Israel’s Antiquities Authority said Wednesday April 9, 2014. (AP Photo/ Israel’s Antiquities Authority) (The Associated Press)

JERUSALEM – Israel’s Antiquities Authority says archaeologists have unearthed a rare sarcophagus featuring a slender face and a scarab ring inscribed with the name of an Egyptian pharaoh.

The mystery man whose skeleton was found inside the sarcophagus was most likely a local Canaanite official in the service of ancient Egypt, Israeli archaeologists believe, shining a light on a period when pharaohs governed the region.

Edwin van den Brink, an Egyptologist and archaeologist with the authority, says the face is “very serene.”

He said his team of archaeologists found the sarcophagus while digging in recent months in northern Israel’s Jezreel Valley. He says the last time a similar item was found in the area was about 50 years ago.