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Egypt allowed the public to visit a 4000-year old tomb in the Saqqara necropolis near Giza for the first time.

The move on Saturday came as part of a bid to promote tourism after falling visitor numbers in the country, which suffered following political upheaval in 2011 and the downing of a Russian plane in 2015.

The tomb, discovered in 1940 by Egyptologist Zaki Saad, belongs to an ancient Egypt high-ranking official named Mehu who was related to the first king of the 6th dynasty.

The tomb included two chambers, both with wall inscriptions of the owner of the tomb hunting.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS)

There are also drawings showing aspects of Ancient Egyptian lives such as hunting and acrobatic dancing.

Mehu lived during the reign of King Pepi and held 48 titles, found inscribed on the walls of his chamber.

The head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Al-Waziri, said: "It is a 4500-year old tomb from the 6th dynasty.

(Image: REX/Shutterstock) (Image: REUTERS)

"It is during the King Pepi rule, " he continued. "It is a family tomb of a father, son and grandson.

"We are seeing Mehu, his son Meren Ra and his grandson Heteb Kha.

"The tombs owner had 48 titles."

Archaeologists have so far this year excavated a number of relics that include a 4,400-year-old tomb at the Giza plateau and an ancient necropolis in Minya, south of Cairo.

Egypt is hoping these discoveries will brighten its image abroad and revive interest among travelers who once flocked to its iconic pharaonic temples and pyramids but who have shunned the country since its 2011 political uprising.