Saqqarah
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on Sunday 3/12/2023 reopened the Imhotep Museum in Saqqara after a 21-month closure for renovation. Minister Ahmed Issa said that this renovation aims at improving the tourist experience there. He added that the ministry’s Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) funded the restoration at a total cost of LE48 million. Imhotep (c. 27th century BC) was a sage, a physician and an astronomer, who is best known as the architect of King Djoser’s Step Pyramid at Saqqara. The museum was first opened in 2006.       SCA Secretary General Mostafa Waziry said the renovation includes the addition of new artefacts recently discovered in Saqqara by the Egyptian mission. The Bubastion cemetery, a Ptolemaic and Roman temple complex dedicated to Bastet in the cliff face of the desert boundary of Saqqara yielded mummified mongoose, crocodiles and cats. In addition to establishing cafeterias, bathrooms and upgrading the lighting system. The museum, which covers 1500 square metres, comprises six halls where 286 artefacts are on display in 27 showcases. Waziry said that what made this museum unique is that it includes the oldest royal mummy ever for King Merenre I (ca. 2297-2292 BC), the fourth king of the 6th Dynasty (c. 2325–c. 2150 BC). The oldest collection of bronze surgical instruments dating back to 4,400 BC is also on display. The first hall contains a rare painted limestone statue base of the King Djoser of the 3rd Dynasty, Old Kingdom 2600 BC, which the titles of engineer and doctor Imhotep. The second hall is the library with books, periodicals and publications on archaeology in addition to handwritten manuscripts of French architect and Egyptologist Jean-Philippe Lauer (1902-2001) about his work at Saqqara.     Lauer spent 75 years in Saqqara to uncover the pyramid group of King Djoser. The third hall contains the most important models of architectural elements in the Djoser pyramid complex. The fourth is about Saqqara Tombs, which contains the most important possessions of the kings of the Fifth and Sixth Dynasties.       The Fifth Hall is called the Saqqara Pattern Hall. It contains a number of vessels of different shapes and sizes, which were discovered inside the pyramid of King Djoser and some kings of the Second Dynasty. It also contains the most important wooden and stone sculptures of senior officials. The last hall is the Missions Hall. It displays the most important artefacts excavated by Egyptian and foreign missions that worked in Saqqara. A film about the archaeological importance of Saqqara is shown in a separate room. The Egyptian Gazette

Map

Info

.

An image of the Philae Temple, a beautiful temple surrounded by water with a palm tree in the foreground. The temple is located on Agilkia Island in Egypt. Philae Temple is greco-roman and was built on an island in the Nile River. Previous Philae temple

Tour details

  • Location approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of Cairo, Egypt. It sits on the west bank of the Nile Rive
  • Hours Open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm
  • Admission Adults 450 EGP, students 230 EGP

The Step Pyramid of Djoser

At the heart of Saqqarah lies the Step Pyramid of Djoser, a marvel of ancient engineering and the first pyramid ever constructed. Built during the Third Dynasty by the architect Imhotep, this pyramid marked a revolutionary shift in burial practices, setting the stage for the iconic pyramids of Giza.

Tombs and Mastabas

Saqqarah is home to a labyrinth of tombs and mastabas, offering a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of ancient Egyptians. These structures, adorned with intricate reliefs and hieroglyphs, served as eternal resting places for pharaohs, nobles, and officials.

Art and Artifacts

The site is a treasure trove of ancient art and artifacts, including statues, reliefs, and funerary goods. These priceless relics provide invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian culture, religion, and daily life.

Historical Importance

Saqqarah played a pivotal role in ancient Egyptian society, serving as a center of religious worship and royal burial. Its significance extends beyond mere mortuary practices, offering clues to the spiritual beliefs and cultural practices of the time.

Renovation and Preservation Efforts

In recent years, concerted efforts have been made to preserve and protect Saqqarah’s fragile archaeological heritage. Restoration projects aim to safeguard the site for future generations while ensuring its continued study and exploration.

Tourism and Visitor Experience

For tourists, Saqqarah offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the wonders of ancient Egypt up close. Guided tours provide insights into the site’s history and significance, while allowing visitors to explore its labyrinthine passages and chambers.

Research and Discoveries

Ongoing excavations at Saqqarah continue to yield new discoveries, shedding light on previously unknown aspects of ancient Egyptian civilization. These findings contribute to our understanding of Egypt’s rich and complex history.

Cultural Significance

Recognizing its cultural and historical importance, Saqqarah has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This prestigious status underscores its significance as a testament to human ingenuity and creativity.

Conclusion

Saqqarah stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Egypt, a monument to the achievements of a civilization that flourished thousands of years ago. As visitors wander its hallowed grounds, they are transported back in time, immersed in the wonders of a bygone era.

FAQs

  1. What is the significance of Saqqarah in ancient Egypt? Saqqarah served as the burial ground for the ancient capital of Memphis and is home to the iconic Step Pyramid of Djoser, among other archaeological wonders.

  2. How old is the Step Pyramid of Djoser? The Step Pyramid of Djoser dates back over 4,600 years, making it one of the oldest stone structures in the world.

  3. Can visitors enter the tombs and mastabas at Saqqarah? Yes, many of the tombs and mastabas at Saqqarah are open to visitors, providing a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian burial practices.

  4. What artifacts have been discovered at Saqqarah? Saqqarah has yielded a wealth of artifacts, including statues, reliefs, and funerary goods, which are now housed in museums around the world.

  5. How can I visit Saqqarah and what should I expect during my visit? Visitors can arrange guided tours to Saqqarah from Cairo, typically lasting half a day. Expect to explore ancient tombs, marvel at ancient architecture, and learn about Egypt’s rich history from knowledgeable guides.

Saqqarah

The Step Pyramid of Djoser

At the heart of Saqqarah lies the Step Pyramid of Djoser, a marvel of ancient engineering and the first pyramid ever constructed. Built during the Third Dynasty by the architect Imhotep, this pyramid marked a revolutionary shift in burial practices, setting the stage for the iconic pyramids of Giza.

Tombs and Mastabas

Saqqarah is home to a labyrinth of tombs and mastabas, offering a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of ancient Egyptians. These structures, adorned with intricate reliefs and hieroglyphs, served as eternal resting places for pharaohs, nobles, and officials.

Art and Artifacts

The site is a treasure trove of ancient art and artifacts, including statues, reliefs, and funerary goods. These priceless relics provide invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian culture, religion, and daily life.

Historical Importance

Saqqarah played a pivotal role in ancient Egyptian society, serving as a center of religious worship and royal burial. Its significance extends beyond mere mortuary practices, offering clues to the spiritual beliefs and cultural practices of the time.

Renovation and Preservation Efforts

In recent years, concerted efforts have been made to preserve and protect Saqqarah’s fragile archaeological heritage. Restoration projects aim to safeguard the site for future generations while ensuring its continued study and exploration.

Tourism and Visitor Experience

For tourists, Saqqarah offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the wonders of ancient Egypt up close. Guided tours provide insights into the site’s history and significance, while allowing visitors to explore its labyrinthine passages and chambers.

Research and Discoveries

Ongoing excavations at Saqqarah continue to yield new discoveries, shedding light on previously unknown aspects of ancient Egyptian civilization. These findings contribute to our understanding of Egypt’s rich and complex history.

Cultural Significance

Recognizing its cultural and historical importance, Saqqarah has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This prestigious status underscores its significance as a testament to human ingenuity and creativity.

Conclusion

Saqqarah stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Egypt, a monument to the achievements of a civilization that flourished thousands of years ago. As visitors wander its hallowed grounds, they are transported back in time, immersed in the wonders of a bygone era.

FAQs

  1. What is the significance of Saqqarah in ancient Egypt? Saqqarah served as the burial ground for the ancient capital of Memphis and is home to the iconic Step Pyramid of Djoser, among other archaeological wonders.

  2. How old is the Step Pyramid of Djoser? The Step Pyramid of Djoser dates back over 4,600 years, making it one of the oldest stone structures in the world.

  3. Can visitors enter the tombs and mastabas at Saqqarah? Yes, many of the tombs and mastabas at Saqqarah are open to visitors, providing a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian burial practices.

  4. What artifacts have been discovered at Saqqarah? Saqqarah has yielded a wealth of artifacts, including statues, reliefs, and funerary goods, which are now housed in museums around the world.

  5. How can I visit Saqqarah and what should I expect during my visit? Visitors can arrange guided tours to Saqqarah from Cairo, typically lasting half a day. Expect to explore ancient tombs, marvel at ancient architecture, and learn about Egypt’s rich history from knowledgeable guides.

Related Monuments

Activities

Frequent asked Questions