Cairo - Archaeologists have discovered a massive sarcophagus, along with mummified remains and golden finger coverings, in the burial chamber of a recently discovered pyramid near Cairo.

According to Egyptian officials, archaeologists used an entrance carved out a thousand years ago by grave robbers to access the 16 square metre burial chamber. The original entrance to the tomb, believed to be that of the mother of Pharaoh Teti (2318-2300 BC), had been sealed shut with huge granite blocks, said chief archeologist Zahi Hawass.

The sarcophagus cover is so heavy that special tools were needed to lift it in a five-hour operation. The collapsed pyramid, which was only unearthed in November, lies near the Teti pyramids, which have also collapsed. (dpa)