EXCAVATION staff carry out their painstaking work after the discovery of 4,500-year-old mummies in Egypt.

The burial chambers of two high-ranking priests have been uncovered in an ancient burial site near the renowned Pyramids of Giza.

7 Excavation staff are carrying out work on two 4,500-year-old mummies Credit: AFP or licensors

7 The ancient burial tomb was found near the Pyramids of Giza Credit: AP:Associated Press

They date back to 2563 - 2423 BC, the first half of the fifth dynasty, the Egyptian Minister of Antiques Khaled Anany has announced at a press conference.

The tombs belonged to two high ranking men who were King Khafre's priests.

One of the men was named Behnui-Ka, who had seven prestigious titles, including Priest and Judge to the Pharaoh. The other tomb belonged to another man called Nwi, who served as the Chief of the Great State and 'purifier' of King Khafre.

King Khafre, also known as Khefren or Chephren to the Ancient Greeks, built the second of the three famous Pyramids of Giza as well as the Sphinx.

News of the find was announced at a press conference on Saturday, which was attended by renowned archaeologist Zahi Hawass.

He said: "One of the two owners of the tomb is the priest of King Khafre, the world is watching this great discovery that dates back to the fifth dynasty."

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Mr Hawass also said Egypt contains a large number of tomb discoveries that have not yet been revealed.

He said what had been found was only 30 per cent of the true amount.

Other artefacts discovered in the tombs by an Egyptian archaeological mission include statues of the wife and son of one of the priests.

7 The tombs are those of two high-ranking priests Credit: AP:Associated Press

7 The coffins were discovered intact Credit: AFP or licensors

7 Archaeologists believe only around 30 per cent of tombs have been found so far Credit: AFP or licensors

7 The tomb also contained artefacts such as statues Credit: AFP or licensors

7 Wooden and clay funeral masks are now on display after being found in the ancient burial site Credit: EPA

Ancient Egyptian mummy's sarcophagus to be opened LIVE on TV in a world first