Lower Necropolis
Under the 5th Dynasty (ca. 2435–2305 BCE) the area to the west of the Step Pyramid complex began to be used as a cemetery, where mainly palace officials were buried. Over 40 tombs of officials, dating from the times of 5th and 6th Dynasties, have been identified in the excavated part of the cemetery.
Czytaj więcejTombs of courtiers
The tombs of dignitaries such as the vizier Merefnebef, the courtier Nyankhnefertem, the traveller Ikhi and many others not only provide information about the history and culture of Egypt in the 3rd millennium BCE, but are also magnificent works of art.
Czytaj więcejDry Moat
The Dry Moat is a vast trench hewn in the bedrock around the funerary complex of Netjerykhet. Its presence on the western side of the complex has been confirmed in the course of our excavation work, which yielded new data concerning its practical and ideological significance as a part of the royal funerary monument.
Czytaj więcejUpper Necropolis
Almost two millennia after the Lower Necropolis has been abandoned, the area west of the Step Pyramid was again used as a burial ground; in the sand-covered ruins of the tombs of Old Kingdom officials, ordinary citizens of Memphis started to be buried. Only few of them could afford being buried with a cartonnage decoration and/or coffin.
Czytaj więcejRecent Research
Each season brings new discoveries and enriches our knowledge of the past. In the 2025 campaign, we worked in the tomb of Ptahhotep Ipi and conducted a comprehensive anthropological study.