© Reuters/HANAA HABIB Five ancient tombs uncovered in Egypt's Saqqara

CAIRO (Reuters) - Archaeologists have discovered five ancient tombs adorned with well-preserved paintings at a cemetery in Saqqara, just outside the Egyptian capital Cairo, officials said on Saturday.

Five ancient tombs uncovered in Egypt's Saqqara© Reuters/HANAA HABIB Five ancient tombs uncovered in Egypt's Saqqara

The tombs belong to senior officials from the Old Kingdom and First Intermediate period, dating to more than four thousand years ago, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said.

Five ancient tombs uncovered in Egypt's Saqqara© Reuters/HANAA HABIB Five ancient tombs uncovered in Egypt's Saqqara

Located near the pyramid of King Merenre I, they also contained large stone coffins, wooden coffins and other artefacts including small statues and pottery.

Saqqara, which lies south of the Great Pyramids of Giza, has provided a rich seam of archaeological discoveries in recent years.

(Reporting by Sameh el-Khatib; Writing by Aidan Lewis; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)

Five ancient tombs uncovered in Egypt's Saqqara© Reuters/HANAA HABIB Five ancient tombs uncovered in Egypt's SaqqaraFive ancient tombs uncovered in Egypt's Saqqara© Reuters/HANAA HABIB Five ancient tombs uncovered in Egypt's Saqqara