Mastaba from the Old Kingdom found at Dahshur!
Within the landscape of Egypt's Dahshur lies a treasure trove of ancient wonders waiting to be unearthed. Recently, an exciting chapter of history was unveiled by a collaborative effort between Egyptian and German archaeologists. Their excavations led to the discovery of a mastaba from Egypt’s Old Kingdom Period, shedding light on the lives and rituals of its ancient inhabitants.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Dahshur, situated in the markaz Badrashin on the Western Desert plateau, is renowned for its majestic pyramid complex and necropolis. Among its celebrated landmarks stand the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, testaments to the architectural prowess of the ancient Egyptians. However, the recent excavations have revealed yet another gem in this ancient landscape—a mudbrick-built mastaba belonging to an individual named neb-neb-af and his wife Idut.
Mastabas, characterized by their flat-roofed, rectangular structures with inward sloping sides, served as the final resting place for esteemed individuals of the era. Acting as eternal homes for the soul or "ba" in the afterlife, these structures housed family burials, with multiple shafts resembling rooms for the departed. Adjacent chambers, such as the serdab, held essential items deemed necessary for the journey into the next realm.
Dr. Stefan Zeidelmeier, former director of the German Institute of Archaeology and leader of the mission, provided invaluable insights into the lives of neb-neb-af and Idut. Neb-neb-af, holding prestigious titles within the royal palace as a tenant administrator, and his wife, identified as a priestess of Hathor, offer tantalizing glimpses into the social and religious dynamics of their time.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Moreover, the excavations uncovered more than just the mastaba. A necropolis designated for palace servants during the reign of Amenemhat II, a harbor, and a bridge serving the Bent Pyramid were among the remarkable finds. Additionally, a ritual garden adjacent to the Valley Temple hinted at the spiritual practices intertwined with the daily lives of ancient Egyptians.
As the sands of time continue to reveal their secrets, Dr. Zeidelmeier expressed plans for further exploration at the mastaba site. With each layer unearthed, a richer tapestry of Dahshur's history emerges, offering a captivating journey into the distant past.