Archaeologists find a huge cache of 20 ancient tombs In Egypt's Luxor

Archaeologists in Egypt have excavated more than 20 ancient wooden coffins in what is being reported as one of the most important discoveries in recent years. In a statement, Antiques Ministry had said that coffins were found in Asasif Necropolis near the city of Luxor. The ministry described them as one of the largest and most important finds in recent years and said the coffins may have belonged to high priests.

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Tombs found in Asasif Necropolis

As per reports, most of the tombs at Asasif are from Late period (664-332 BC) in medieval Egypt, but there was also the discovery of tombs from earlier 18th dynasty (1550-1292 BC) a first of the new kingdom. The coffins can date back to Third Intermediate Period which began with the death of Pharaoh Ramesses XI in 1070 BC. It can mean that coffins are 3,000 years old and are impressive because the coffins still have colourful and detailed decorations just as the ancient Egyptians left them. 

The ministry described them as one of the largest and most important finds in recent years and said the coffins may have belonged to high priests. The officials, for now, have released only a limited amount of information with rest of the news expected to be revealed at a news conference on October 19. In the photos which were released by the Egyptian Minister of Antiquities, Khaled el-Anan, can be seen examining artefacts which were discovered after excavators found an industrial area in Luxor's West Valley. 

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The area included houses for storage and the cleaning of furniture with many potteries dating back to the 18th Century Dynasty, the statement read. The photos revealed that coffins are in good shape, due to favourable climate in Egypt as compared to nearby countries. 

(With inputs from agencies)  

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