Ancient city uncovered in Egypt

It is believed to date back to 5316 BC

PHOTO: REUTERS

CAIRO:
Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient Egyptian city and graveyard dating back to around 5300 BC, the antiquities ministry said on Wednesday.

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The city and cemetery -- likely home to senior functionaries and grave builders -- was discovered about 400 metres (1300 feet) from the Temple of Seti I in the ancient city of Abydos in southern Egypt, said antiquities minister Mahmoud Afifi.

It is believed to date back to 5316 BC.

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Excavators found huts, pottery and stone instruments, Afifi said.

They also discovered 15 large graves -- some of them even larger than royal graves in Abydos -- suggesting they housed the bodies of important figures.

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"This discovery can shed light on a lot of information on the history of Abydos," a ministry statement quoted Afifi as saying.

The city of Abydos, founded by predynastic rulers, is famed for its temples such as that of Seti I and its graves.

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