1st, 2nd dynasties tombs unearthed in Helwan

The Egyptian-Australian archaeological mission unearthed mud-brick and stone tombs that date back to the era of the Pharaonic first and second dynasties (5,000 years BC) in Helwan area.

Zahi Hawas, Head of the Cairo and Giza Antiquities Department, said the tombs unearthed are of a unique architectural design as they start with downward staircase leading to the funerary chambers and then the burial chamber where six tombs of small children were found.

Inside the tombs the remains of those children's skeletons were found with their heads southward, said Hawas.

He added that a wealth-telling tomb of a woman was found in a funerary chamber that has got a big wooden gallery and contained earthenware vessels that had still got the leftovers of wine and ale, in addition to alabaster dishes that also have got the leftovers of cereals and fruits.

Plaques containing engravings and inscriptions depicting the tomb owner with the offerings to be given to gods before him were also found, he said, adding the find of this particular period of the Pharaonic era is very important.