Colorful 4,400-yr-old murals unveiled in newly discovered Egyptian tomb

SAQQARA, Egypt -- A tomb dating back some 4,400 years has been found here in Egypt, along with colorful, well-persevered murals depicting a cow being butchered and other scenes.

The tomb, said to be that of a noble named Khuwy, was discovered in March near the Pyramid of Djedkare Isesi, a pharaoh who ruled Egypt around the 25th to 24th century B.C. Going down a narrow passageway in the underground desert tomb, murals in red, white, yellow and other vibrant colors can be seen covering the stone walls.

According to Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities, it is rare to find ancient artwork in such good condition. In a news conference at the site, Minister Khaled al-Enani said that new discoveries are continuing in Saqqara, and that he hoped to see more excavation.

Saqqara, located south of the capital Cairo, is known as an ancient burial site, and many artifacts including mummies have been found there. It is home to Egypt's oldest known pyramid, the Step Pyramid of Djoser, said to have been built around 2650 B.C.

(Japanese original by Koichi Shinoda, Cairo Bureau)