Research

Located on the western side of the Step Pyramid complex, almost exactly on its axis, the area investigated by the mission, the central part of the main city of ancient Egypt – Memphis, was intensively used during three periods:

• During the Third Dynasty (c. 2592-2544 BCE), when it was first part of the construction site of the Step Pyramid complex and then became part of the royal complex itself.
• During the Old Kingdom (c. 2435-2118 BCE), when the tombs of royal officials were built here, forming the so-called Lower Necropolis.
• Towards the end of Pharaonic Egyptian history (from the 4th century BCE onwards), when a cemetery of non-elite people was established here, the so-called Upper Necropolis.

In the photograph below, showing the site as seen from the west, there is evidence of all these phases:

In the background, the Step Pyramid, the massive silhouette of which dominates the site where we work.

In the middle, the remains of the tombs of officials from the Old Kingdom.

At the left (northern) edge of the excavation, the elongated pits where the burials of the Upper Necropolis were deposited.

The research has been conducted for three decades and the results are regularly presented in scientific and popular publications, lectures and interviews.