Egyptian archaeologists have uncovered a carving in the ancient city of Luxor that contains clues about Karnak temple.

The vast temple at Karnak is the largest ancient religious site in the world and considerable archaeology and excavation has been carried out around it in recent years.

Honouring the god Amoun's high priest, Bak En Khonso, the carving is made of quartzite stone with 17 lines of hieroglyphics and is expected to contain vital information about the 20th Dynasty of Egyptian pharaohs.

The Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) announced the find to the press and said that the carving dates back to the 12th century BC and the reign of King Setnekht, founder of the dynasty and father of Ramses III.

A recent agreement between Egyptian authorities and the people living in the hills near Luxor will provide archaeologists and historians with access to almost 1,000 Pharaonic tombs underneath their homes.

The deal will see most of the 3,200 families rehoused in a huge residential complex 5km away from the current site.