Ten ancient Pharaonic tombs, dating back at least 2300 years, were discovered on the West bank of the Nile river in Aswan, Egypt.

The tombs were discovered in an area neighbouring the Agha Khan Mausoleum, the tomb of of Aga Khan III (1877-1957 AD). The structures were cut in rock. Archaeologists state that they can be dated to the Late Period (ca 664-332 BC), and possibly are an extension of Aswan necropolis on the west bank where a collection of tombs belonging to Aswan overseers from the Old, Middle and New Kingdom are found.

Experts state that the tombs have a similar architectural design, being composed of sliding steps leading to the entrance, followed by a small burial chamber where a collection of stone sarcophagi, mummies and funerary collection of the deceased were found.

Archaeologists want to continue the excavations and start comprehensive studies and restoration work on the interiors and artefacts found within the tombs. The question of who exactly was buried there still remains.

(after Ahram Online, Egypt Independent & Mada Masr)