Archaeologists work inside an Old Kingdom cemetery in Giza, Egypt, May 4, 2019. Egypt announced on Saturday the discovery of part of an Old Kingdom cemetery during excavations carried out at the southeastern side of Giza Plateau near the Great Pyramids. The discovery was made by an Egyptian Archaeological Mission, Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said in a statement. Waziri explained that the team uncovered several Old Kingdom tombs and burial shafts, and "the oldest one is a limestone family tomb from the fifth dynasty." (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
CAIRO, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Egypt announced on Saturday the discovery of part of an Old Kingdom cemetery during excavations carried out at the southeastern side of Giza Plateau near the Great Pyramids.
The discovery was made by an Egyptian Archaeological Mission, Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said in a statement.
Waziri explained that the team uncovered several Old Kingdom tombs and burial shafts, and "the oldest one is a limestone family tomb from the fifth dynasty."
The tomb retains some of its inscriptions and scenes, Waziri said, adding that the tomb belongs to two persons.
"Many artifacts were discovered in the tomb. The most significant is a fine limestone statue of the tomb's owner, his wife and son," Waziri revealed.
Director General of Giza Plateau, Ashraf Mohi, said that the cemetery was reused extensively during the Late Period (since early 7th century BC).
"Many painted and decorated anthropoid wooden coffins were discovered on site," he said in a statement.
Mohi added that many wooden and clay funerary masks were also found.
Egypt has been working hard to preserve its archaeological heritage and discover the secrets of its ancient artifacts.
