Archaeologists to raise ancient Egyptian ship

[Judi Lynn]

Archaeologists to raise ancient Egyptian ship
– Thu Jun 23, 2:58 pm ET

CAIRO (AFP) – Egyptian and Japanese archaeologists on Thursday began to unearth an ancient boat belonging to King Khufu and buried near the Giza pyramids for more than 4,500 years.

A mission from Japan's Waseda University, the Japanese Institute of the Solar Boat and Egypt's antiquities ministry have been preparing to lift the boat from its underground pit for the past two years.

The project is "one of the most important" archaeological projects, antiquities minister of state Zahi Hawass told reporters at the site.

It is one of two boats belonging to King Khufu, or Cheops, a fourth dynasty ruler who built the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Solar boats were buried with the Pharaohs in the belief that they would carry them to the afterlife.

More:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110623/sc_afp/egyptarchaeologyjapan_20110623185809

[Theo Haffey]

1. Is the boat recognizable?

I am often disappointed when all they show is two planks of wood representing the boat. Does it at least look like a boat?

[MineralMan]

2. Here's a picture of the one they've already dug up:

[Donnachaidh]

3. Is this the second solar boat?

Was watching a documentary the other night and it stated that one of the boats was already raised and put together. Jedefre was the son of Khufu who had the boats buried by the great pyramid.

[arcane1]

4. Excellent!

*rubs hands in gleeful anticipation*