Archaeologists conducting research on ancient tombs in Egypt are warning of a potential epidemic threat. They have discovered that pathogens responsible for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis or leprosy may survive in the tombs.

Egypt has unveiled several discoveries near the famed city of Luxor including ancient rock-cut tombs and burial shafts dating back 3,600 years.

Sifting through the sands of the Egyptian desert, archaeologists looked for the telltale signs of ancient ruins. One ancient “well” caught their attention — and turned out to be the entrance of a forgotten tomb.

People visit newly unveiled archeological discoveries, including 4,000-year-old tombs of high-ranking officials and artwork from the time of Queen Hatshepsut, at an ancient necropolis in the famed city of Luxor.

Egyptian archaeologists announced significant discoveries near Luxor on Wednesday, including 3,600-year-old rock-cut tombs, burial shafts, and artifacts from various ancient periods. The finds were made at the causeway of Queen Hatshepsut’s funerary temple in Deir al-Bahri,