Egyptian archaeologists have discovered the mummified remains of a doctor they say lived more than 4,000 years ago.

Zahi Hawass (File photo)

In an interview with official state media, Egypt's government antiquities chief, Zahi Hawass, says archaeologists found the mummy in Saqqara, south of Cairo, during cleaning work.

He says the doctor, whose name was Qar, was buried along with bronze surgical instruments, earthenware containers bearing his name and 22 bronze statues of gods.

Hawass says the mummy and the decorations on the lid of the wooden sarcophagus are well-preserved and in ideal condition.

Archaeologists first discovered the tomb in 2000, but did not find the sarcophagus until recently.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.