EGYPT — Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities has announced that dozens of mummified cats and wooden cat statues have been discovered in the ancient city of Memphis, Egypt.<br /><br />Along with the mummified cats and wooden cat statues, a painted wooden cobra and a crocodile sarcophagi were also found.<br /><br />Gilded statues of a lion, a cow and a falcon were also discovered, along with wooden snakes and crocodiles.<br /><br />Objects such as amulets, canopic jars and papyri baskets were also discovered in the tomb.<br /><br />The artifacts are regarded to be around 6000 years old.<br /><br />Ancient Egyptians were often buried with their mummified animals and statues as a way to bring pets with them to the afterlife.<br /><br />The animals were also buried as food offerings for not just the deceased, but as offerings to the gods as well.<br /><br />The ministry is hoping the discoveries will attract more tourists to visit Egypt's heritage sites.
