Eight mummies, ten intricately painted sarcophagi and over a 1,000 small figurines were among the spoils discovered in the Draa Abul Nagaa necropolis, located in the Valley of the Kings, the Egyptian government announced Tuesday. “This is an important discovery.”The small figurines, called Ushabti, were placed alongside the possessions of the deceased to act as their servants for the chores and drudgeries of the afterlife. According to the Ministry, the tomb has been dated back over 3,500 years ago to the 18th Dynasty, and belonged to a nobleman working as the ancient city’s judge. The tomb was then opened up centuries later during the 21st Dynasty to inter more nobles, and protect them from grave robbers. The excavation will continue, said the ministry, with spokesman Nevine el-Aref adding of the possibility of even more mummies being uncovered in the future.

Source: National Post April 19, 2017 18:56 UTC