The Egyptian Government plans to open 10 ancient tombs to the public next month.

Going into a tomb

Extensive archaeological repairs have uncovered what Egypt hopes will complement the tourist attractions already on the Giza plateau: the Sphinx and the country's three famous pyramids.

Uniquely, four of the tombs are the final resting places of women. Alongside the burial places of powerful men, those of three queens and one king's daughter are now on display.

The Government hopes the new sites will simultaneously attract more visitors to the Giza area and ease the pressure on the pyramids caused by tourism.

Hieroglyphics inside tell of an unknown pyramid

The other six restored tombs belonged mainly to high court officials in ancient Egyptian society. But one is home to a commoner.

That is the tomb causing most interest amongst Egyptologists. Inside there is a reference to a tomb that has never been found.

The Giza Pyramid Director, Professor Zahi Hawas, says: "It's a mystery."

The Sphinx, also in Giza

"We do not know what is the meaning of the reference to the pyramid or what kind of pyramid it was."

The opening of the tombs coincides with the completion of seven years' of restoration work on the Sphinx.

The weather and huge number of visitors had caused some parts of the sculpture to crumble.

Now, Egypt's mystery will remain safe long into the next century.

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