Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered a 4,400-year-old tomb near the country's famed Giza pyramids. Meanwhile, other archaeologists are scanning the tomb of famed Pharaoh Tutankhamun in the southern city of Luxor. Authorities hope these new discoveries will help revive the country's failing tourism sector.
The newly found tomb probably belonged to a woman known as Hetpet. Archaeologists believe she was a high-ranking 5th Dynasty official. It is made of mud brick and includes numerous wall paintings. Many depict Hetpet observing hunting and fishing.
Excavation of Hetpet’s tomb started last October. Mostafa al-Waziri, who led the Egypt's Antiquities Ministry mission, believes there’s more to be found. He says, "What we see above the earth's surface in Egypt doesn't exceed 40 percent of what the core holds.” Hetpet’s mummy hasn’t been discovered yet.
The area of the latest discovery is close to a new museum being built. It will house some of Egypt's most unique artifacts. The first phase of the Grand Egyptian museum is expected to be opened later this year while the grand opening is planned for 2022.
South of Cairo, archaeologists in Luxor are checking for the existence of any hidden chambers behind a more well-known tomb. The tomb of King Tutankhamun was discovered in 1922 in the Valley of the Kings, located on the west bank of the Nile River in Luxor.
Artifacts from Tut’s tomb go on display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles in March. A 10-city tour of Tut relics marks the upcoming 100th anniversary of the tomb's discovery in 1922.
Egypt hopes the new museum, along with the recent discoveries, will draw visitors back to the country, where tourism has been hit hard by extremist attacks and political turmoil.
(AP Photo: Wall paintings inside a newly discovered 4,400-year-old tomb near the pyramids outside Cairo, Egypt)
