2000-year-old Roman tombs uncovered in Egypt

LONDON:��Archaeologists have discovered five tombs dating back to about 2,000 years ago when the Romans were ruling Egypt.

����������� The tombs made of mudbricks were excavated at Bir esh- Shaghala in the Dakhla Oasis of Egypt.

����������� Some of the tombs are quite large containing multiple burial chambers, while some have vaulted roofs and one tomb has a roof built in the shape of a pyramid, researchers said.

����������� Archaeologists from Ministry of Antiquities in Egypt also discovered several artefacts inside the tomb including mummy masks and pieces of inscribed pottery known as ostraca.

����������� Giant containers that may have held olive oil or wine were also found. However, chemical tests will need to be done to confirm the contents.

����������� Eight tombs were uncovered within the past six excavation seasons while five were recently discovered, 'Live Science' reported.

����������� Located in the Western Desert, about 350 kilometres west of Luxor, the Dakhla Oasis contains a vast amount of archaeological remains that date from prehistoric to modern times. A number of settlements from the Roman era flourished in the Dakhla Oasis. (AGENCIES)