CAIRO – Egypt's antiquities department says archaeologists have unearthed 12 more sphinx statues along the ancient avenue connecting Luxor and Karnak temples.

The discovery was made in a newly excavated section of the Avenue of the Sphinxes, most of which is buried beneath the modern city of Luxor in southern Egypt.

The sandstone section of road dates back to the reign of Pharaoh Nectanebo I, from 380-362 B.C., and was used in religious processions.

Egypt is working to excavate the entire sphinx-lined avenue. It was heavily damaged during the Roman period by the construction of roads and houses over it and by the reuse of some of the sphinxes in other building projects.

The antiquities department said Monday that a Roman-era oil press and pottery were also found at the site.