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Cairo (AP) - In the necropolis of Saqqara near Cairo, archaeologists have discovered a mortuary temple, 50 other sarcophagi and various artifacts from ancient Egyptian times.

According to the Ministry of Antiquities, this includes a four-meter-long papyrus with a chapter from the Book of the Dead, which was common in ancient Egypt as a burial object.

The researchers also discovered death masks and games such as the Senet game, which was popular at the time.

The finds date from the time of the New Kingdom from the centuries around 1550 to 1070 BC.

Saqqara is located on the Nile south of Cairo and served as a cemetery for the capital of the Memphis Empire in Pharaonic times.

The sight popular with tourists is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The pyramids of Saqqara are considered a “great masterpiece of architectural design”, as Unesco writes.

There is also the famous 5,000 year old step pyramid of Pharaoh Djoser.

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The excavations in Saqqara are led by Sahi Hauass, who is considered one of the most influential and knowledgeable archaeologists in Egypt and who was briefly minister of antiquities.

Hauass has led several important excavations in the North African country and also promoted the investigation of mummies with new forensic methods.

Among other things, because of his dominant leadership style, he has also drawn criticism.

The Ministry of Antiquities had already announced numerous spectacular finds from Saqqara in recent months, including around 160 coffins, some in very good condition.

In November, the minister of antiquities, Chalid al-Anani, declared that Saqqara had only released "around one percent" of what was hidden there.

The finds are to be exhibited in the Great Egyptian Museum, which is being built on the pyramids of Giza and which is due to open this year.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210117-99-59772 / 3