2,000-year-old Roman tombs, artifacts and inscribed pottery discovered in Egypt

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. PTI