17 August, 2017
On the basis of the clay fragments found in the tombs, scientists have suggested that the burial relates to the period between the 27th dynasty, which was founded in 525 BC, and Greco-Roman period, which lasted from 332 BC to IV century.
Sarcophagi, stone coffins, and clay fragments found at the site indicate the tombs are around 2,000 years old.
The antiquities ministry said in a statement that "works are under way in order to reveal more secrets".
Dr Ayman Ashmawy, head of the ancient Egyptian antiquities sector at the ministry of antiquities, hailed the new discovery as "very important".
Three tombs dated to the Ptolemaic Period, more than 2,000 years ago, have been discovered in the Nile Valley, the Egyptian antiquities ministry said on Wednesday.
This shows that "these tombs were part of a cemetery of a great city rather than of military garrisons as suggested by some", he continued.
In another they found a burial hole for a small child, the first such discovery under the project.
Ali al-Bakry, head of the mission, said one of the tombs contained bones believed to be the remains of "men, women and children of different ages".
During that mission, the team succeeded to uncover about 20 tombs designed in Catacombs architecture, which was wide spread during the 27th dynasty and the Greaco-Roman time.
The first tomb was formed from a perpendicular burial shaft engraved in rock and leading to a burial chamber containing four sarcophagi with human features and other engravings carved on their lids.
Further finds at El-Kamin El-Sahrawi are virtually certain: Excavations on the third tomb have not yet been completed.
The finds were uncovered in al-Kamin al-Sarwahi in Minya province, hidden down deep burial shafts.
