A newly-unearthed double tomb was unveiled by Egyptian archaeologists today. The tomb with vivid wall paintings is found in the ancient necropolis of Saqqara near Cairo. The archaeologists claimed that the discovery of the tomb could lead to the unearthing of a vast cemetery in the area.

Abdel-Hakim Karar, a top archaeologist at Saqqara, said that the tomb includes two false doors with colorful paintings. Karar added that the two false doors depict a father and a son, who are buried there. The duo served as heads of the royal scribes. “The colors of the false door are fresh as if it was painted yesterday,” Karar told reporters.

Karar said that the sarcophagus of the father, Shend was, had been destroyed by humidity and son Khonsu’s tomb was robbed in antiquity. The false door of father also has the name of Pepi II inscribed on it. Pepi II is believed to be the longest of the pharaohs and has reigned for 90 years. The inscription shows that the double tomb belongs to the 6th dynasty, the same time when the Old Kingdom started declining.

“The new finds were the most distinguished tombs ever found from the Old Kingdom, because of their amazing colors,” said Egypt’s antiquities chief, Zahi Hawass. He added that the excavation could unveil the largest cemetery of ancient Egypt.

Shendwas and Khonsu have been identified as royal scribes by the inscription. They were also the “supervisors of the mission,” meaning the father-son was in charge of delegations overseeing the supply of materials, which were used in the construction of the pyramids.

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