CAIRO: Egypt’s Antiquities Ministry says archaeologists have uncovered at least 20 ancient wooden coffins in the southern city of Luxor.

A brief statement from the ministry said on Tuesday archaeologists found the coffins in the Asasif Necropolis.

The necropolis, located in the ancient town of West Thebes, includes tombs dating back to the Middle, New Kingdom and the Late Periods (1994 BC to 332 BC).

Photos from the ministry show coloured coffins with inscriptions and paintings. The ministry described it as one of the “biggest and most important” discoveries in recent years. The ministry said it will release further details at a news conference on Saturday.

Egypt has sought publicity for its archaeological discoveries in the hopes of reviving its tourism sector, which was badly hit by the turmoil following the 2011 uprising.

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2019