Egypt discovers 10 2,500-year-old tombs filled with mummies

Archaeologists have found 10 tombs containing intact mummies dating back 2,500 years on the banks of the Nile.

Archaeologists found many coffins and mummies in the tomb. Photo: Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities.

Archaeologists working near the Aga Khan tomb on the west bank of the Nile River discovered a group of tombs dating back to the Late Period of Ancient Egypt (712-332 BC) while working there, International Business Times reported yesterday. Inside the tombs were well-preserved coffins and mummies.

The Aga Khan Mausoleum, located near the southern city of Aswan, was built to honor Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan, the 48th leader of the Ismaili sect (a branch of Shiite Islam), who died in 1957. An archaeological team sent by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities excavated the area around the site to learn about the ancient history of the area.

All 10 tombs have large stone staircases that lead to the entrance to the mortuary chamber where the mummies were placed. The tombs are similar in features to those found in the nearby West Aswan necropolis. Archaeologists believe the 10 tombs may be part of a previously unknown extension of the necropolis.

The Ministry of Antiquities is planning to send archaeologists to study the area again during the next excavation season in the hope of learning more about the individuals buried there. Restoration work will also be carried out to ensure the coffins and mummies remain in good condition.

According to VNE