Archaeologists discover eight ancient mummies in Egypt
Limestone sarcophagi date back to Late Period (664-332 BC) in found in area of King Amenemhat II's pyramid
Archaeologists have discovered eight limestone sarcophagi with mummies inside around 25 miles south of Cairo, Egypt.
The Antiquities Ministry said the mummies date back to the Late Period (664-332 BC) and are covered with a layer of painted material, called cartonnage, in the form of a human.
Only three of the mummies were in a good condition of preservation, Dr Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained.
Dr Waziri said photos of the discovery would be exhibited in museums which are due to open in Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.
The ministry said the mummies were found in an area of King Amenemhat II's pyramid in the Dashur royal necropolis, which was the burial site for courtiers and high-ranking officials.
The area is home to what are believed to be some of the earliest pyramids, including Sneferu's Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid.
Egypt hopes such discoveries will encourage tourism, which is partially driven by sightseeing which was hit hard by political turmoil following the 2011 uprising.
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