Archaeologists uncover 27 ancient wooden coffins buried for 2,500 years in Egypt in largest discovery of its kind

27 sarcophagi that were buried 2,500 years ago have been discovered in Egypt in what is believed to be the largest find of its kind.

Archaeologists working at the ancient Saqqara necropolis near Cairo uncovered the incredible collection. 

Initially only 13 sarcophagi were found earlier this month, but further efforts have uncovered an extra 14, the BBC reports.

27 sarcophagi that were buried 2,500 years ago have been discovered in the ancient Saqqara necropolis near Cairo. Pictured: Egypt's Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mostafa Waziri inspects one of the coffins

The sarcophagi have been buried underground for 2,500 years. 13 were initially found earlier this month before a further 14 were uncovered

It is believed the archaeological haul of 27 sarcophagi is the largest of its kind ever

In a statement on Saturday, Egypt's Antiquity Ministry said: 'Initial studies indicate that these coffins are completely closed and haven't been opened since they were buried.'

The find is believed to be the largest of its kind ever and the ministry's statement said that they hoped to reveal 'more secrets' about the discovery soon.

Alongside the wooden sarcophagi, smaller statues and artefacts were also discovered by the archaeological team. 

Although having been discovered earlier, the ministry delayed announcing the news until Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anani could visit the dig site himself to inspect the sarcophagi.

Mostafa Waziri and the archaeologist team inspect one of the ancient wooden coffins in a burial shaft at the Saqqara necropolis

Alongside the wooden sarcophagi, smaller statues and artefacts were also discovered by the archaeological team

Egypt's Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mostafa Waziri carries one of the sculptures found alongside the sarcophagi out of the dig site

The Saqqara necropolis is found south of Cairo and is part of the ancient capital city of Memphis, a Unesco World Heritage site.

It is also the site of the colossal rectangular-based step Pyramid of Djoser. 

The sarcophagi were discovered by a team digging 36ft down and work continues to be carried out to try and work out the exact history of the sarcophagi. 

Egypt uses archaeological discoveries as a means to promote tourism, a sector which has been directly affected by travel restrictions put in place in response to the coronavirus pandemic.