Ancient father-son tombs discovered in Egypt

Cairo: Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered two ancient tombs belonging to a father-son duo, believed to be some 4,300 years old.

The two colourful tombs belong to a father and his son from the 6th Dynasty and were found west of the Step Pyramid in Sakkara district by an Egyptian team that has been excavating here since 1986, Culture Minister Farouk Hosni today said.

"The first tomb, of the father, has a beautiful false door depicting him sitting in front of the table of sacrifices, which means that he was holding important positions during that period," Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Zahi Hawas said.

He was carrying the titles of the Chief Clerk of the King and the supervisor of missions and also held many honorary titles, Hawas said, adding the wood-made coffin of the father was buried in a 20m-deep well that was found under the false door.

The most important thing found in the well was a 30cm-long limestone-made Obelisk, a symbol of the worship of 'Ra', the God of Sun, he said.

The second tomb, having a colourful painting of the son, who also held similar titles as that of his father, was found adjacent to the first one, Hawas said.