This undated photo shows a massive ancient building in Giza, Egypt. Egyptian archaeologists have discovered a massive ancient building in Giza province, Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities said on Tuesday. (Xinhua)
CAIRO, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian archaeologists have discovered a massive ancient building in Giza province, Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities said on Tuesday.
The building was discovered in the town of Mit Rahina, 20 km south of Cairo, Mostafa Waziri, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said in a statement.
The building is 17 meters long and 15 meters wide, Waziri added, suggesting it was part of a residential complex of the area, which was the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis.
Memphis, founded around 3,100 B.C., was home to Menes, the king who united Upper and Lower Egypt.
Waziri said the ancient Egyptians used mud bricks in founding the building, and the outside walls, fence and basement were made from red bricks.
He added that the archaeologists also found an attached building that includes a large Roman bath and a chamber likely for religious rituals.
Another room was found in the northeastern side of the building and is believed to belong to servants, he said.
Egypt has witnessed several big archeological discoveries over the past couple of years in different parts of the country, hoping they will revive the ailing tourism sector after the country's two uprisings.