4,000-year-old tomb found near oldest pyramid

A mud brick tomb dating back more than 4,000 years has been discovered near Egypt8217;s most ancient pyramid in the Saqqara complex south of Cairo, antiquities official announced on Monday. The tomb, which was found by an Egyptian-Australian mission, belonged to Ka-Hay, who kept divine records, and his wife, said Zahi Hawass, Egypt8217;s antiquities chief. Excavators found five wooden statues depicting the tomb8217;s owner and his wife in a niche at the tomb8217;s forefront. Among the wooden figures was a unique double statue of a seated Ka-Hay and his wife, Hawass said.

The tomb, which also features two offering tables and a wooden false door, was found near the famous Step Pyramid of King Djoser 8212; believed to be Egypt8217;s oldest pyramid 8212; in the necropolis of King Teti, a funerary area containing scores of burial chambers, false doors that ancient Egyptians said the souls of the dead would use to leave their tombs, and temples.

The necropolis where the mud brick tomb was found is built alongside the collapsed pyramid of Teti, who ruled during ancient Egypt8217;s 6th dynasty, more than 4,300 years ago. The Ka-Hay tomb dates back to the late 5th or early 6th dynasty, Hawass said.

Saqqara, located about 12 miles south of Cairo, is one of Egypt8217;s most popular tourist sites and hosts a collection of temples, tombs and funerary complexes.