Ancient tombs found near Giza pyramids

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2006

CAIRO (AFP) — Egyptian archaeologists have discovered two ancient tombs near the great pyramids of Giza, the supreme council of antiquities said.

The sarcophagi, which date back to the 26th dynasty (664-252 BC) were discovered about one kilometre (0.6 mile) south of the Giza pyramids, supreme council of antiquities chief Zahi Hawass told the official MENA news agency.

Hieroglyphics referring to sun god Ra and Osiris, the god of death, were inscribed on the larger multi-coloured sarcophagus, which measured two metres (six foot six) by 70 centimetres (two foot four inches).

The tomb also featured the name of its owner Neb Ra Khatow.

The second sarcophagus, found inside the first one, had a more human form and was described by Hawass as "in good condition".

© 2006 AFP