The tomb was found in a buried ridge in Saqqara, which was the capital of Egypt for more than 2,000 years. It dates back to approximately 2,500 BC, shortly after the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Buried inside was a high priest named Wahtye who served King Neferirkare. The rare discovery is due to it being almost completely intact and near perfect condition despite its age.
The 4,400-year-old tomb was discovered by archaeologists in the area, according to Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
Inside the painted tomb were 24 statues alongside paintings of the priest and his family including his wife and mother.
Measuring 33 feet by 9.8 feet, the tomb has remained untouched and unlooted.
“The colour is almost intact even though the tomb is almost 4,400 years old,” Waziri said.
“I can imagine that all of the objects can be found in this area.
“This shaft should lead to a coffin or a sarcophagus of the owner of the tomb.
More discoveries are expected as further excavations are carried out in January.
A spate of discoveries have been revealed in Egypt in recent months as the country attempts to revitalise the tourist industry and entice visitors to the region.
The country has struggled since a number of terrorist attacks led to an update over the UK Foreign Office advice for British travellers.
However, the majority of the region is now considered safe to travel.
Last month, a 3,000 year old female mummy was discovered near the Valley of the Kings.
It dated back to the 13th century during the 17th dynasty, the same era as Tutankhamen.
A recent discovery also led to new debates over how the Great Pyramid of Giza was built.
The large tomb was once the largest painted sculpture for more than 3,800 years, and took 2,000 years to complete.
A new transport system located near an alabaster quarry could reveal all about how it 4,400-year-old.
