"A US archaeological mission from Memphis University has deciphered new mysteries about the life of ancient Egyptians, their rites before burial and mummification in preparation for the other life," Dr. Zahi Hawwas, the Secretary-General of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, said on Saturday.

He said the American archaeologists had found a sarcophagus in an area five kilometers away from Tutankhamen's tomb in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor.

Hawwas said the secrets included rituals for burials, mummification and preparations for the after death period.

In statements to reporters, Hawwas said that the archaeologists found inside the sarcophagus several pillows on which some hieroglyphic words such as health, life and stability were written.

He said such words confirmed that the Ancient Egyptians were keen on providing their dead with all means to enjoy a happy, health and stable condition in life after death.