Cairo:
Egypt's top archaeologist has shown off a newly discovered tomb of a pharaonic priest, a find he says could point the way to a new necropolis to be excavated near the famed Giza pyramids.
Zahi Hawass said hieroglyphics on the walls of the 4,300-year-old structure indicated it belonged to Rudj-ka, a priest inspector in the mortuary cult of the pharaoh Khafre, who built the second largest of Giza's pyramids.
The tomb -- about the size of a train car -- was adorned with paintings, some still vivid. Images on one wall depict a man standing on a boat, spearing fish. Nearby are lotus flowers and different types of birds standing or in flight.
The tomb is thought to date to the 5th dynasty, 2465-2323 BC.
Hawass said Khafre died around 2494 BC, but explained that pharaohs were often worshipped after death.
Zahi Hawass said hieroglyphics on the walls of the 4,300-year-old structure indicated it belonged to Rudj-ka, a priest inspector in the mortuary cult of the pharaoh Khafre, who built the second largest of Giza's pyramids.
The tomb -- about the size of a train car -- was adorned with paintings, some still vivid. Images on one wall depict a man standing on a boat, spearing fish. Nearby are lotus flowers and different types of birds standing or in flight.
The tomb is thought to date to the 5th dynasty, 2465-2323 BC.
Hawass said Khafre died around 2494 BC, but explained that pharaohs were often worshipped after death.
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