epaselect epa07546584 An Egyptian archaeologist works on a sarcophagus at the site of an ancient an old Kingdom cemetery that was uncovered at the south-eastern side of Giza Plateau, Giza, Egypt, 04 May 2019. An Egyptian Archaeological Mission discovered part of an Old Kingdom cemetery during excavations carried out at the south-eastern side of Giza Plateau. The team uncovered several Old Kingdom tombs and burial shafts but the oldest one to be discovered is a limestone family tomb from the fifth dynasty (circa 2500 B.C.) which retains some of its inscriptions and scenes. EPA/KHALED ELFIQI
epaselect epa07546584 An Egyptian archaeologist works on a sarcophagus at the site of an ancient an old Kingdom cemetery that was uncovered at the south-eastern side of Giza Plateau, Giza, Egypt, 04 May 2019. An Egyptian Archaeological Mission discovered part of an Old Kingdom cemetery during excavations carried out at the south-eastern side of Giza Plateau. The team uncovered several Old Kingdom tombs and burial shafts but the oldest one to be discovered is a limestone family tomb from the fifth dynasty (circa 2500 B.C.) which retains some of its inscriptions and scenes. EPA/KHALED ELFIQI
epaselect epa07546584 An Egyptian archaeologist works on a sarcophagus at the site of an ancient an old Kingdom cemetery that was uncovered at the south-eastern side of Giza Plateau, Giza, Egypt, 04 May 2019. An Egyptian Archaeological Mission discovered part of an Old Kingdom cemetery during excavations carried out at the south-eastern side of Giza Plateau. The team uncovered several Old Kingdom tombs and burial shafts but the oldest one to be discovered is a limestone family tomb from the fifth dynasty (circa 2500 B.C.) which retains some of its inscriptions and scenes. EPA/KHALED ELFIQI
epaselect epa07546584 An Egyptian archaeologist works on a sarcophagus at the site of an ancient an old Kingdom cemetery that was uncovered at the south-eastern side of Giza Plateau, Giza, Egypt, 04 M

Egypt says ancient cemetery found at Giza famed pyramids

It contains colourful wooden coffins and limestone statues dating back to the Old Kingdom

Agence France Presse

May 05, 2019

  • English
  • Arabic

Egypt's antiquities ministry on Saturday unveiled a 4,500-year-old burial ground near the Giza pyramids containing colourful wooden coffins and limestone statues dating back to the Old Kingdom.

The site on the southeastern side of Giza plateau contains tombs and burial shafts from various periods, but the oldest is a limestone family tomb from the fifth dynasty (around 2500 BC), the ministry said.

An AFP photographer who was allowed to access the burial shaft saw inscriptions on the walls, intricately painted wooden sarcophagi and sculptures of animals and humans.

The ministry said the tomb was that of two people: Behnui-Ka, who had seven titles including the Priest and the Judge, and Nwi, also known as Chief of the Great State and "purifier" of the pharaoh Khafre.

Khafre, known to the Ancient Greeks as Chephren, built the second of the three famous Pyramids of Giza.

"Many artefacts were discovered in the tomb," the ministry said, including limestone statues of one of the tomb's owners, his wife and son.

Ashraf Mohi, Director General of Giza Plateau, said the cemetery was re-used extensively during the Late Period, starting from the early seventh century BC.

The ministry also displayed what it said were Late Period wooden coffins with hieroglyphics inscribed on their lids, along with wooden and clay funerary masks.

Egypt