New mummies found in Egypt

From: http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20040425-123225-6753r.htm

Cairo, , Apr. 25 (UPI) -- Egypt said Sunday new mummies in wooden coffins dating back to the 7th Century B.C. have been unearthed at the Giza Pyramids near Cairo.

Egyptian Culture Minister Farouk Hosni told reporters an archeological team discovered a few ancient coffins with gold artifacts next to them - all believed to be of Pharaonic religious value.

He said the team opened one of the coffins and found a "perfectly wrapped mummy."

They were found in the ancient desert of Sakkara near the Great Pyramids of Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo a few days ago, he said.

The Secretary General of the Egyptian Higher Council of Archeology, Zahi Hawas, said the new discovery would provide greater understanding of the old Egyptian religious beliefs during the 26th Dynasty of the Pharaohs, which ruled in the 7th Century BC.

Hawas said the archeological team Monday would open another coffin that has a human face engraved on it.