afrol News, 9 February - Egyptian archaeologists have discovered 30 mummies in the ancient burial complex of Saqqara outside Cairo from the tomb dating back to 4,300 year-old, Ministry of Culture said in a statement today.

The burial site which is believed to have initially belonged to a priest from the time of the Pharaohs was found at the bottom of an 11-meter well and includes mummies from the fifth, sixth and 26th dynasties according to the statement.

Egypt's chief archeologist, Zahi Hawas, said the tomb dates from the era of the VIth dynasty of the Old Kingdom.

"Thirty mummies and skeletons were discovered, including a wooden sarcophagus that has been sealed since the pharaonic era in the burial chamber at a depth of 11 metres," a statement said, further indicating that the original tomb belonged to a priest called Sangem, while others were later buried in different chambers at the same site. The tomb was made of mud bricks and sports intertwining decorations.

The statement said another sarcophagus, made of wood, had not been opened since pharaohnic times, however Archaeologist Abdel Hakim Karar said ancient grave robbers might have reached the grace first.

The archaeologists expect to open it later this week and expect to find lucky charm among the mummy wrappings.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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