At least 20 ancient wooden coffins have been discovered by archaeologists in the southern Egyptian city of Luxor.

The antiquities ministry said in a brief statement that the coffins were found in the Asasif Necropolis which is located in the ancient town of West Thebes.

Archaeologists found tombs dating back to the Middle, New Kingdom and the Late Periods (1994BC to 332BC).

Photos released by the ministry show coloured coffins with inscriptions and paintings.

The ministry said it was one of the "biggest and most important" discoveries in recent years.


Image: The coffins feature inscriptions and paintings

It said it will release further details at a news conference on Saturday.

Egypt has sought publicity for its archaeological discoveries in a bid to revive its tourism sector which was badly hit by the turmoil following the 2011 uprising.

Egyptian authorities last week published details of another major discovery in the Luxor region.

Image: The find includes tombs dating back to the Middle, New Kingdom and the Late Periods

The ministry revealed that it had uncovered an ancient "industrial area" once used to produce decorative items, furniture and pottery for royal tombs.

It comprised 30 workshops and a large kiln to fire ceramics on the sprawling site which was found in Luxor's Valley of the Monkeys.