opened today two important individuals' tombs at the western cemetery- the Pyramids Archaeological Area

Minister of Antiquities, Dr. Eldamaty opened today two important individuals' tombs at the western cemetery- the Pyramids Archaeological Area to receive their local and international visitors. 

The first tombbelongs to a person named "Emery" who holds the title "Priest of King Khufu" while the second one belongs to his eldest son "Nefer Ptah". 

The two tombs were opened after the termination of their restoration works performed by the Ministry of Antiquities' Projects Sector.

This opening comes within the framework of the Ministry's plan to develop the Pyramids Area as a whole, 

adding that it is considered a good step towards dragging the tourists' interest to visit new places… elaborated Eldamaty.

The two tombs are a typical model of the individuals' tombs in the Old Kingdom and they reflect the nature of ritual life at that time clearly represented through their structural and artistic elements.

Eng. Wa'd Allah Abul E'la, chargé d'affaires of the Projects' Sector Chief noted that the two tombs were closed since 2007 until restoration works started in 2010.  The restoration project stopped after the January Revolution to be proceeded 6 months ago.

Dr. Mahmoud Afifi, Chargé d'affaires of the Ancient Egyptian Sector's Chief added that the tomb of "Nefer Ptah" was discovered in 1925 with an area of 144 m² approximately and a height of  4.6 m. It consists of five rooms and a crypt at the southern side. It also contains a life sized rock carved statue in the wall its first hall. The "Emery" tomb is built with lime stone and it contains beautiful scenes depicting craftsmen(carpenters, sculptors and goldsmiths).

サッカラで新しい墓を発見。 時代は第六王朝時代でペピ2世王時代

フランス隊(IFAO)南サッカラで第6王朝時代ペピ2世時代(古王国時代)の2人の神官AnkhtiとSabiの墓を発見！

以前Dr.Zahi Hawassが、エジプトの遺跡はまだ土中の30％程しか発見されていないと話していたが、本当にそう思わせるくらい最近新発見が多い。

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Two ancient tombs still containing the remains of their owners were uncovered in Saqara, Declared Dr. Eldamaty today. The first one belongs to “Ankh Ti” and the second to “Sabi”; two priests contemporary to the reign of King Pepi II (2240-2150 B.C) of the 6th Dynasty. The discovery was made, added Eldamaty during the excavation works performed by the IFAO mission (L’Institut Français d’archéologie Orientale) in collaboration with the Ministry of Antiquities at the site of Tabit El-Geish, south of Sakkara.

Director of the French mission, Dr.Vassil Dobrev, clarified that both tombs have many offering scenes to ancient Egyptian Gods, adding that the colors of the scenes are still extraordinarily preserved.

Eldamaty added that the team work succeeded in reaching the burial chambers of the two tombs, and found the remains of the two tomb owners scattered, a matter indicating that both tombs were subject to vandalism and theft during the 7th or 8th Dynasty.

From his side, Head of the Ancient Egyptian Sector, Dr. Yousef Khalifa elucidated that despite of vandalism, the team work discovered some funerary tools beside the skeletons; a number of alabaster jars as well as colored limestone offerings models and pottery were found.

Dr. Vassil Dobrev, said that the upper part of the two tombs was built with mud brick while the burial chambers were cut into the white limestone bedrock indicating that the burial chamber of “Sabi” was found in a 6m. deep shaft while that of “Ankh Ti” was found in a 12m. deep shaft.

 

​General Director of Giza Archaeological Area, Kamal Wahid pointed out that the “Ankh Ti” funerary room was decorated with many scenes representing the ancient Egyptian offerings, particularly the huge jars containing the seven sacred oils essential in the resurrection process. Lists of names and quantities of offerings also appear on the left wall followed by a false door and different forms of offerings (meat, birds, bread, vegetables, roses, milk and beer … etc.)   

 

General Director of Saqara Archaeological Area, ‘Alaa El-Shahat finally added that there is a great similarity between the “Sabi” tomb and the first one for it also has the same offering scenes and lists.