Egyptian archaeologists unveil 4,300-year-old tombs near Cairo

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Egypt's top archaeologist said two pharaonic tombs discovered this year at Saqqara indicate the sprawling necropolis south of Cairo is even larger than previously thought. Egyptian antiquities chief Zahi Hawass said the tombs are more than 4,000 years old and were built for high officials who served the pharaohs. He said their discovery indicates there is a larger cemetery yet to be uncovered at Saqqara. Hawass took reporters on a tour of the site Monday. Saqqara is the burial site of the rulers of ancient Memphis, about 12 miles (19 kilometers) south of Cairo.