VOA标准英语2010年-Archaeologists Discover Double Tomb at

The step pyramids of Saqqara, believed to be the world's oldest carved stone structures, 8 Jul 2010

Egyptian archaeologists are searching for what they hope will be a treasure trove¹ of tombs near the Saqqara pyramids, the early, stepped versions of ancient burial monuments.  The possibility of finding the largest cemetery² from the Old Kingdom was raised by the recent discovery of two tombs, revealing vivid paintings and new information about daily life in pharaonic Egypt.

 

The archaeologists uncovered the tomb of a royal scribe and overseer, named Shendwas, and his son.  Their burial site dates back about 4,200 years to the Sixth Dynasty.  The complex, double grave was built with false doors meant to foil grave robbers.  They were not completely successful, with the tomb of the son ransacked³ long ago.  But what remains⁴ has the researchers thrilled, providing details on the inner workings of the pharaonic courts.

"The tomb of his son is beautiful," said Zahi Hawass, Egypt's top archaeologist.  The false door shows illustrations of an offering table topped with depictions of the official in different shapes.

Archaeologists also have found artifacts in the tombs, including a small limestone⁵ obelisk⁶ - a sign of respect for the sun god Ra.  There also are several alabaster⁷ and stone vessels⁸ in the shape of ducks.  But Hawass said the most striking discovery are the tombs' paintings.  "The color is so beautiful," he said, "showing that this could be the most colorful, beautiful tomb ever found at Saqqara."

 

Workers have been digging at the site, just southwest of  Cairo, for three years and have uncovered six tombs.  As for what else might be at the site, Hawass added, "Who knows what the sands of Egypt hide?"

 

1 trove   

n.被发现的东西，收藏的东西

参考例句：

• He assembled a rich trove of Chinese porcelain.他收集了一批中国瓷器。
• The gallery is a treasure trove of medieval art.这个画廊是中世纪艺术的宝库。

2 cemetery   

n.坟墓，墓地，坟场

参考例句：

• He was buried in the cemetery.他被葬在公墓。
• His remains were interred in the cemetery.他的遗体葬在墓地。

3 ransacked   

v.彻底搜查( ransack的过去式和过去分词 )；抢劫，掠夺

参考例句：

• The house had been ransacked by burglars. 这房子遭到了盗贼的洗劫。
• The house had been ransacked of all that was worth anything. 屋子里所有值钱的东西都被抢去了。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》

4 remains   

n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹

参考例句：

• He ate the remains of food hungrily.他狼吞虎咽地吃剩余的食物。
• The remains of the meal were fed to the dog.残羹剩饭喂狗了。

5 limestone   

n.石灰石

参考例句：

• Limestone is often used in building construction.石灰岩常用于建筑。
• Cement is made from limestone.水泥是由石灰石制成的。

6 obelisk   

n.方尖塔

参考例句：

• The obelisk was built in memory of those who died for their country.这座方尖塔是为了纪念那些为祖国献身的人而建造的。
• Far away on the last spur,there was a glittering obelisk.远处，在最后一个山峦上闪烁着一个方尖塔。

7 alabaster   

adj.雪白的；n.雪花石膏；条纹大理石

参考例句：

• The floor was marble tile,and the columns alabaster.地板是由大理石铺成的，柱子则是雪花石膏打造而成。
• Her skin was like alabaster.她的皮肤光洁雪白。

8 vessels   

n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人

参考例句：

• The river is navigable by vessels of up to 90 tons. 90 吨以下的船只可以从这条河通过。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• All modern vessels of any size are fitted with radar installations. 所有现代化船只都有雷达装置。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》