Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered another collection of unopened  sarcophagi in Saqqara, a vast ancient burial ground in the country, adding to the trove of almost 60 coffins recently recovered from the ancient necropolis, CNN has reported.

Authorities in a statement said that  "a huge number" of wooden sarcophagi had been unearthed. With the country's Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled El-Enany adding that the find amounted to "dozens" of coffins, adding that they have been "sealed since ancient times."

The collection of sarcophagi, stored in three newly discovered burial shafts, is believed to date back more than 2,500 years. Colored and gilded statues were also found in the tombs, a government press release said.

On Monday, El-Enany and Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly visited the site alongside secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mustafa Waziri. Photos released by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities show the trio being lowered into a shaft before inspecting painted coffins and a variety of other objects.

The vast burial ground once served the royal capital of Memphis, and the site is also home to Egypt's oldest surviving pyramid.

(With input from agencies)