CAIRO, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- A joint Egyptian-Spanish archaeological mission has uncovered several Ptolemaic-period (332-30 BC) tombs in Al-Bahnasa archeological site in southern Egypt's Minya province, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said Saturday.

The tombs contain colorful decorations, mummies, skeletons, coffins, and unique artifacts, such as amulets, heart scarabs and deities, the ministry said in a statement.

A rectangular stone burial well was found leading to a cemetery containing dozens of mummies lined up side by side, indicating the usage of these rooms as mass graves, it said.

It is the first time to find human remains in Al-Bahnasa, including 13 golden tongues and nails of mummies from the Ptolemaic era, it noted.

The texts and scenes of ancient Egyptian characters on the tombs would enrich the understanding of the region's history and shed light on the religious practices prevalent in the Ptolemaic period, it said. Enditem

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