News — Ancient Egypt

The Tomb of Irukaptah, also known as Khenu or Iru-kaptah, is located in the necropolis of Saqqara and dates back to the 5th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom (c. 2494–2345 BCE). Irukaptah held the title of the "Butcher of the King" and "Overseer of the Butchers of the Great House," which reflects his high-status role in providing for the royal household, especially in matters related to food supply and offerings.Irukaptah's tomb is designed as a mastaba, a traditional flat-roofed tomb common for the nobility during the Old Kingdom. The tomb is renowned for its detailed and well-preserved reliefs, particularly those...

The step pyramid of Djoser is the earliest colossal stone building in Egypt and is considered the precursor to the later smooth-sided pyramids. It is located in Saqqara, Egypt, and is part of a larger mortuary complex that includes courtyards, temples, and shrines, surrounded by a massive wall. The entire complex covers an area of approximately 15 hectares (37 acres). The pyramid of Djoser consists of six mastaba-like layers (mastabas are flat-roofed rectangular tombs) stacked on top of each other, creating a step-like structure. The pyramid originally stood about 62 meters (203 feet) tall. When you visit the pyramid, you...

  The Tomb of Maya is the burial site of Maya, an important official in ancient Egypt. Maya served as the treasurer during the reign of Pharaoh Tutankhamun and also continued his service under Pharaoh Horemheb. He was one of the key figures responsible for the restoration of Egypt after the tumultuous reign of Akhenaten.Maya's tomb is located in Saqqara, one of the oldest and most significant necropolises in Egypt. Saqqara served as the burial ground for the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis, and it is home to numerous tombs of officials, as well as the famous Step Pyramid of...

Pottery in ancient Egypt dates back to the Predynastic period (c. 6000-3150 BCE) and spans through various dynasties up to the Greco-Roman period. It evolved in terms of technique, form, and decoration over millennia.The primary material used was Nile silt clay, which was abundant and provided good plasticity and strength after firing. Marl clay was also used, especially for finer wares. Early pottery was often hand-built using techniques such as coiling. Introduced around the Old Kingdom period, the potter's wheel allowed for more uniform and refined shapes. Pottery was fired in simple open fires initially, but later in more controlled...

The Tomb of Rekhmire (TT100) is a significant archaeological site located in the Theban Necropolis on the west bank of the Nile, opposite Luxor. Rekhmire was a vizier during the reigns of Thutmose III and Amenhotep II of the Eighteenth Dynasty of ancient Egypt. His tomb provides valuable insights into the administrative, social, and religious aspects of the period. The tomb follows the typical T-shaped layout of the period, with a long corridor leading to a broad transverse hall and a shrine at the rear. This design allowed for both public and private ceremonial functions. The tomb features extensive depictions...