Cairo: An Egyptian archaeological mission has uncovered three tombs dating to different historical periods at the Sheikh Subi archaeological site in the Bahariya Oasis, along with a collection of ancient artefacts. The discovery was made during the mission's current excavation season at the site, which contains a cemetery for rulers and priests of the Bahariya Oasis dating to the Late Period.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the first tomb is a rock-cut collective burial believed to have been used by a family of five. It contains a three-metre-deep shaft leading to two burial chambers. Archaeologists found a limestone sarcophagus containing a linen-wrapped mummy in one chamber and four additional limestone sarcophagi with mummies in the other.

The second tomb, believed to date to the Roman period, consists of a small shaft, a three-step staircase, and a burial chamber. Archaeological evidence suggests it was never used for burial.

The third tomb is also believed to date to the Roman period. It contains a rectangular shaft leading to a small hall and two burial chambers. Excavations uncovered parts of a pottery coffin, a limestone sarcophagus, and a side burial containing a broken cylindrical pottery coffin with a human face depicted in relief on its lid.

The mission also found pottery vessels, small bottles, dishes, limestone and sandstone offering tables, as well as small terracotta votive figurines depicting human and animal forms.

For his part, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said that the discovery provides further evidence of the history of the Bahariya Oasis. Excavations will continue in coming seasons as archaeologists seek to uncover additional tombs and learn more about the communities that lived in the oasis over successive periods.