Archaeologists discover eight ancient mummies in Egypt

Eight mummies dating back over 2,300 years were found by Egyptian archaeologists at a pyramid complex south of Cairo ( AFP/Getty Images )

Archaeologists have discovered eight limestone sarcophagi with mummies inside around 25 miles south of Cairo, Egypt.

The Antiquities Ministry said the mummies date back to the Late Period (664-332 BC) and are covered with a layer of painted material, called cartonnage, in the form of a human.

Only three of the mummies were in a good condition of preservation, Dr Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained.

The pyramid complex where the mummies were found (AFP/Getty Images)

Dr Waziri said photos of the discovery would be exhibited in museums which are due to open in Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.

The ministry said the mummies were found in an area of King Amenemhat II's pyramid in the Dashur royal necropolis, which was the burial site for courtiers and high-ranking officials.

An ancient mummy covered with a layer of painted cartonnage, which was found inside a sarcophagus in an area of King Amenemhat II's pyramid in the Dashur royal necropolis (AP)

The area is home to what are believed to be some of the earliest pyramids, including Sneferu's Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid.

Egypt hopes such discoveries will encourage tourism, which is partially driven by sightseeing which was hit hard by political turmoil following the 2011 uprising.