Necropolis of Saqqara Attractions
The vast necropolis of Saqqara, the cemetery area of ancient Memphis, lies on the edge of the Western (Libyan) Desert, on the west bank of the Nile, some 9mi/15km south of the Pyramid of Cheops. Extending over an area of almost 4.25mi/7km from north to south and 550-1,650yd/500-1,500m from east to west, it contains tombs from almost every period of Egyptian history.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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The whole necropolis has been repeatedly prospected and plundered from an early period down to modern times, notably under the Byzantine Emperors and the Caliphs. Nevertheless modern scientific excavations, most recently those directed by Walter B. Emery in 1936-56 and by the Egyptian Department of Antiquities since 1965, have still been able to recover much new material which has made important contributions to knowledge.
Related Attractions
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Saqqara - Mastaba of Ptahhotep
(Saqqara North)
Mastaba of Ptahhotep is most noteworthy for the mural reliefs which adorn walls of the offering room. They are well preserved and represent the pinnacle of Egyptian art.
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Saqqara - Mastaba of Ti
(Saqqara North)
The Mastaba of Ti is one of the highlights of Saqqara. It once belonged to a wealthy landowner during the Fifth Dynasty, and displays some of the finest mural reliefs of the Old Kingdom.
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Saqqara - Step Pyramid
(Saqqara North)
The Step Pyramid of Saqqara is among the earliest, if not the earliest, of Egypt's large, stone structures. It is thought to have been built by lmhotep, and stands 60m high.
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Saqqara - Pyramid of Unas
(Saqqara North)
The Pyramid of Unas was built for the last King of the Fifth Dynasty. Visitors can climb the pyramid and enter the interior chambers.
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Saqqara - Serapeum
(Saqqara North)
The Serapeum was a burial place for bulls. Extra-large sarcophagi can be seen throughout the underground structure.
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Saqqara - Tomb of Horemheb
(Saqqara South)
The Tomb of Horemheb, who was Tutankhamun's General and Co-ruler, was discovered in 1975. It had been raided by tomb robbers in the 19th C, and items from this location were already displayed in museums.
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Saqqara - Tomb of Mereruka
(Saqqara North)
The Tomb of Mereruka features unique paintings detailing the deceased involved in various daily activities like fishing and inspecting workmen.
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Saqqara - Tomb of Nefer and Companions
(Saqqara North)
Dating from the 5th Dynasty, the Tomb of Nefer and Companions is a single chamber measuring 8 m in length, with nine tomb shafts.
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Tomb of Ankh-me-hor
(Saqqara - Street of Tombs)
The Tomb of Ankh-me-hor is known for reliefs detailing surgical procedures. The tomb is also known as the "Tomb of the Physician".
Saqqara - Imhotep Museum
Located at the foot of the Saqqara Necropolis, the Imhotep Museum opened in 2006 and is dedicated to the Egyptian architect, Imhotep. There are five halls within the museum with a variety of displays.
