CAIRO, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- An Egyptian-Chinese archaeological mission had uncovered a limestone structure believed to be part of the temple of King Apries from Egypt's 26th Dynasty (664-525 BC) at the Tel Aziz site east of the Mit Rahina area in Giza, Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said in a statement on Thursday.
The joint mission, formed by Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, China's Peking University and the Shandong Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, made the discovery during excavation work at the site, where parts of the temple had been uncovered in earlier excavation seasons.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy described the discovery as an important addition to ongoing archaeological research in Mit Rahina, noting that it shed further light on one of the most significant historical sites linked to the ancient city of Memphis.
He also praised "the fruitful scientific cooperation between the Egyptian and Chinese sides in the field of archaeological work."
For his part, Hisham El-Leithy, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the discovery significantly contributed to a deeper understanding of the urban planning of the ancient city, as well as its religious practices during the period.
The mission also discovered a diverse collection of artifacts, including pottery and glass vessels, as well as copper coins, according to the statement. ■