Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt

sarcophagus 353

small pyramids of Queens IPUT(1) and KAWIT(1) are

located beside his pyramid.

In the southern section of Saqqara, the pyramidal

complex of PEPI I(r. 2289–2255 B.C.E.) is in ruins. The

pyramid collapsed, destroying a black basalt sarcophagus.

A rose granite canopic chest was also destroyed, along

with alabaster jars. The PYRAMID TEXTSused as decora-

tions are particularly beautiful in surviving corridors and

in the burial chamber, which is painted green.

The pyramid of MERENRÉ I(r. 2255–2246 B.C.E.) is

located nearby, and the unfinished pyramid shows

ancient signs of vandalism. A black basalt sarcophagus

contained a mummy, but it was not Merenré I. Limestone

statues of prisoners taken by Merenré I’s military cam-

paigns, or from earlier battles, were discovered there.

The pyramidal complex of IZEZI Djedkaré (r.

2388–2356 B.C.E.) is in the area as well, located beside

the tomb of Pepi I. The mortuary bears Izezi’s name, and

the pyramid was called “Izezi Is Beautiful.” A vestibule

opens onto a passage that leads to a burial chamber and

antechamber and the limestone slab roof is pitched at an

angle. Within the burial chamber, a black basalt sarcoph-

agus and fragments of a mummy were discovered also.

The mortuary temple of Izezi Djedkaré was destroyed by

the Eighteenth Dynasty (1550–1307 B.C.E.) burial sites.

This temple had beautiful reliefs and statues of animals.

A smaller queen’s pyramid is part of the complex.

The SERAPEUM(1) was also erected in Saqqara. Also in

the southern section are tombs from the Fourth Dynasty,

including the tomb of SHEPSESKHAF(r. 2472–2467 B.C.E.),

now called the MASTABAT EL-FARA’UN. This tomb is fash-

ioned in the shape of a giant sarcophagus, with corridors,

ramps, and a separate chamber. The mortuary temple has

terraces and pillared halls. Other tombs included those of

TIA(2) and MAYA. The statue of Sheikh el-Beled (KA’APER)

was discovered in a mastaba there.

Saqqara Table This is a royal relief discovered in the

tomb of TJUENEROY, or Thuneroi, a scribe in the court of

Ramesses II (r. 1290–1224 B.C.E.). The cartouches of 57

or 58 rulers of Egypt were inscribed in TJUENEROY’s tomb,

all listed as pharaohs honored by RAMESSES II.

See also KING LISTS.

sarcophagus They are the stone receptacles for the

mummified remains of ancient Egyptians, from the Greek

term meaning “eater of flesh.” The Greek term suppos-

edly referred to a type of limestone that was believed to

The complex at Saqqara of the Step Pyramid of Djoser, a pharaoh of the Third Dynasty. Mortuary structures and storage areas sur-
round the pyramid, using the palace facade design.(Courtesy Steve Beikirch.)