Archaeologists in Egypt open ancient tomb, find 1,000 statues

CAIRO -- Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered more than 1,000 statues and 10 sarcophagi in an ancient noble’s tomb on the west bank of the Nile River in Luxor.

The Antiquities Ministry said Tuesday that the tomb was built for a judge during the New Kingdom period, from roughly 1,500 to 1,000 B.C.

The team reached the entrance to the tomb after an extensive process removing debris, according to the Antiquities Ministry.

The tomb comprised an open courtyard leading to two halls, one containing four ancient coffins and the other including a chamber that houses six. The head of archaeological mission, Mostafa el-Waziri, says another chamber was found containing the statues, which depict kings from different dynasties.

According to the Antiquities Ministry, the tomb contained a trove of treasures including sarcophagi, or stone coffins, from the 21st Dynasty; mummies wrapped in linen; figurines carved in faience, terracotta and wood; and assorted clay pots.

El-Waziri said archaeologists expect to find even more statues as the dig continues.