Archaeologists have discovered five pharaonic tombs at Saqqara, in the necropolis of Memphis (Egypt).

The tombs would be "in good condition and erected for senior officials", the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said on Saturday.

The tombs were discovered northeast of the pyramid of King Merenre I, who ruled Egypt around 2270 BC, reports

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The site of Saqqara, known for its step pyramid of Pharaoh Djoser, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is about fifteen kilometers south of the pyramids of Giza.

Discovery of five pharaonic tombs at Saqqara.

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Graves of high officials

In a vault, a limestone sarcophagus and colorful decorations depicting funerary scenes were discovered.

Archaeologists also unearthed three other tombs, built 6 m underground.

Two belong to women, one of whom was "solely responsible for the king's beauty," said a press release.

The last tomb, located 7 m deep, is dedicated to “Henu, steward of the royal house”.

In January 2021, new archaeological discoveries made in Saqqara had already been unveiled, including around fifty sarcophagi over 3,000 years old.

Egypt hopes to soon be able to inaugurate the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza plateau.

The latter could revive tourism, an essential sector for the country after the Arab Spring and the Covid-19 pandemic.

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