An Iraqi Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities spokesman says 30 rare Christian archaeological artifacts have been found in Tekrit.

Ministry spokesman Abdulzahra al-Talaqani said the artifacts were located by municipal workers laying down pipes in the city, which had a large Christian population until the late 12th century, the Iraqi newspaper Azzaman reported Thursday.

Saood al-Azzawi, the city's Antiquities Department representative, said among the discovered items are frankincense burners, silver rings and perfume vessels.

A number of them bear cross engravings, while others contain precious stones, Azzawi added.