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An Egyptian archaeological expedition discovered impressive tombs from the time of the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt in the Saqqara necropolis near Cairo, Al-Ahram reported.

Burial shafts have also been found containing sarcophagi with mummies, as well as stone and wooden statues. 

The largest tomb belongs to a high-ranking dignitary and priest in the religious complex of the pyramid of Unas - the last ruler of the Fifth Dynasty.

Scenes from everyday life are painted on its walls, says the famous Egyptologist Zahi Hawass, who leads the team. 

The second largest tomb is of a man named Mary, whose titles are Keeper of Secrets and Assistant to the Supreme Governor of the Palace.

Among the finds is a smaller tomb of a priest, in which nine beautiful statues were found.

Apart from them, the expedition came across the statues of a man and a woman together with their daughter. 

The most important discovery is a 15-meter shaft, at the bottom of which lies a limestone sarcophagus, Hawass said.

The inscriptions on the pohlupaka reveal that its owner was called Hekashepes. 

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The mortar that sealed the sarcophagus is intact, just as the ancient Egyptians left it 4,300 years ago.

The mummy found inside is covered in gold leaf.

"It is possible that this is the oldest and best-preserved mummy found in Egypt so far," the archaeologist said. 

In the other 10-meter shaft, the expedition found wooden and stone statues and another sarcophagus containing a mummy.

Many amulets, stone vessels, objects from everyday life were also found, writes BTA.

a mummy

Egypt

tomb

sarcophagus