The joint Egyptian-Japanese archeological mission operating in north Saqqara and headed by Dr. Nozomu Kawai of Kanazawa University and Waseda University discovered a catacomb vatic to the first century AD. The discovery took place during last season’s excavation, where it was discovered north of Saqqara, which had not previously been excavated. Dr. Kawai stated that the catacomb consists of a domed mud brick building with an interior staircase and a rock-cut limestone chamber. Discovered inside it was a stone niche containing a round portrait of the gods Sokkar, Thoth, and Anubis. Two Greek lines were carved beneath the image. The niche also contained five small statues of Isis Aphrodite. Several pottery vessels were found at the entrance of the complex. He added that the mission discovered two limestone statues, each reaching about 55 cm. The rock-cut chamber is located outside of the entrance, consisting of a long 15 meter hall, 2 meters wide. The walls of the chamber are plotted by smaller rooms, one of which contained a large 58 cm mud statue of Isis Aphrodite. Some of the rooms also contained mummies. Dr. Kawai stated that this is the first Roman period tomb to be discovered in Saqqara.