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Ancient Egyptian necropolis yields 20 coffins

It’s one of the "biggest and most important" discoveries in recent years.

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Rae Hodge was a senior editor at CNET. She led CNET's coverage of privacy and cybersecurity tools from July 2019 to January 2023. As a data-driven investigative journalist on the software and services team, she reviewed VPNs, password managers, antivirus software, anti-surveillance methods and ethics in tech. Prior to joining CNET in 2019, Rae spent nearly a decade covering politics and protests for the AP, NPR, the BBC and other local and international outlets.
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Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities via AP

At least 20 ancient wooden coffins have been uncovered by archeologists in the Egyptian city of Luxor, a profound discovery, according to the country's Antiquities Ministry. In a Tuesday statement, the ministry said the necropolis is located in the ancient town of West Thebes. It includes tombs dating back to the Middle, New Kingdom and the Late Periods, or 1994 B.C. to 332 B.C.

Photos provided by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities capture the vibrant details of the coffins' inscriptions and paintings. 

The ministry said it will release further details at a news conference slated for Saturday. 

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Egyptian Minister of Antiquities Khaled el-Anany looks at recently discovered ancient coffins with inscriptions and paintings.

Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities via AP
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The ministry said archeologists found at least 20 wooden coffins in the Asasif Necropolis.

Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities via AP
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The coffins were discovered in the southern city of Luxor, Egypt, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019. 

Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities via AP