Cairo - An Egyptian archaeological team has discovered a group of 20 gold-coated mummies in the country's western desert, Culture Minister Faruq Hosni announced on Tuesday.
He said the discovery brings to 234 the number of mummies so far unearthed in the area called the Valley of the Golden Mummies, adding that excavations were ongoing in and around the site.
Some bronze coins were also recovered from the site, explained Hosni, saying ancient Egyptians buried the dead with money believing they would need it to pay for their passing to the afterworld.
The Egyptian team also discovered a graveyard nearby, which experts said belonged to the relative of a high priest. A sarcophagus at the site appeared to have been robbed, they added. - Sapa-AFP