(CNN) — A cache of ancient burial shafts containing hundreds of wooden coffins dating back to the New Kingdom are among a new batch of major discoveries found at Egypt's Saqqara archaeological site. Coffins, funerary masks and a funeral temple were discovered during an archeological mission at Saqqara, a vast necropolis about 32 kilometers (20 miles) south of Cairo, which experts claim will "rewrite" the history of the region. A mummy is displayed during the official announcement of the mission discovery at Egypt's Saqqara necropolis south of Cairo, on January 17. Khaled Desouki/AFP/Getty ImagesUnearthed adorned wooden sarcophagi on display during the official announcement of the discovery of a new trove of treasures at Egypt's Saqqara necropolis south of Cairo, on January 17. Khaled Desouki/AFP/Getty ImagesSome 52 burial shafts, which were between 10-12 meters deep and contained hundreds of wooden coffins dating back to the New Kingdom period, were also discovered.

Source: CNN January 17, 2021 17:03 UTC