Ancient Egyptian official’s tomb and burial network found at Saqqara

An Egyptian archaeological mission working at the Bubasteion necropolis in Saqqara has uncovered the tomb of a high-ranking Old Kingdom official, along with an extensive network of burial shafts containing human remains, funerary objects and other archaeological finds.

The discoveries were made during the mission’s first season of excavations in the area west of the Bubasteion at the Saqqara archaeological site.

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According to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the excavations revealed the tomb of an official named Sakhnetio-Btah, dating to the Old Kingdom, as well as a complex system of interconnected burial shafts containing numerous burials and artefacts from later periods.

The findings provide further evidence of the funerary and archaeological importance of the area and indicate that the site was repeatedly used and adapted over different periods of ancient Egyptian history.

Sherif Fathi, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, said the excavation demonstrated the historical and funerary significance of the Bubasteion necropolis and its continued use through successive eras.

He said the discoveries represent an important scientific contribution to understanding the history and development of the site and underline the importance of continuing archaeological excavation and research in the area.

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Dr Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the work was conducted under a comprehensive scientific programme incorporating precise excavation and stratigraphic recording, architectural and photographic documentation, digitisation, archaeological and linguistic studies, and comparative scientific analysis.

These methods have allowed archaeologists to interpret the discoveries within their historical context and trace the architectural and chronological development of the tomb and its surrounding structures.

Funerary Chapel Reveals Ritual Objects in Original Positions

Among the most significant discoveries were remains of the tomb’s funerary chapel, including a false door still standing in its original position.

Archaeologists found a complete assemblage of alabaster funerary ritual objects placed in front of the false door. The collection includes an offering table, an offering implement, a purification basin, a vessel and a mat.

The objects bear hieroglyphic inscriptions recording the name and titles of the tomb’s owner.

Mohamed Abdel Badi, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, described the discovery of the complete assemblage in its original archaeological context as particularly important.

Because the objects remained in their original positions within the funerary chapel, researchers can use them to gain a clearer understanding of the rituals and religious practices associated with burial during the Old Kingdom.

The hieroglyphic inscriptions on the false door and funerary objects also enabled archaeologists to identify several of Sakhnetio-Btah’s titles.

According to the mission, these included positions associated with the royal administration, such as royal chamberlain, overseer of all the king’s works, overseer of royal documents, keeper of royal secrets, priest of the goddess Maat and overseer of the library.

The titles indicate that the tomb owner occupied a senior position within the Old Kingdom’s administrative hierarchy and was closely connected to the royal court.

More Than 100 Ushabti Figurines Found

Excavations elsewhere in the area uncovered an interconnected system of burial shafts containing numerous human burials and substantial quantities of decorated funerary cartonnage.

More than 100 ushabti figurines were also discovered, together with three stone burials found in their original positions, a wooden figure in the form of a falcon and a varied collection of pottery and other archaeological material.

Qutb Fawzi, head of the Central Administration of Cairo and Giza Antiquities, said the range of discoveries reflects the long history of funerary activity at the site.

Dr Amr El-Tayeb, Director-General of the Saqqara Archaeological Area and head of the archaeological mission, said the material provides researchers with important evidence for studying burial customs and funerary practices, particularly during Egypt’s Late Period.

The discoveries could also help archaeologists reconstruct how the Old Kingdom tomb and its surrounding area were reused for burials during subsequent periods.

Preliminary investigations indicate that several of the burial shafts were looted in antiquity. Archaeologists identified passages and disturbances believed to have been created by ancient tomb robbers moving between funerary structures.

Despite the ancient looting, researchers said the surviving material retains considerable archaeological and scientific value and could provide new information about the internal organisation of the necropolis and the successive phases of its development.

Excavations to Continue at Saqqara

The Egyptian mission is continuing to document, analyse and study the discoveries, including comparisons with archaeological material recovered from other sites across Egypt.

The results are expected to undergo further specialist research before being prepared for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Archaeologists will also continue excavating the area, where preliminary evidence suggests that additional structures, burials and artefacts could remain beneath the sands.

The latest discoveries add to a growing body of evidence demonstrating Saqqara’s extraordinary longevity as a burial landscape. Used across multiple periods of Egyptian history, the vast necropolis continues to provide archaeologists with new insights into ancient Egypt’s funerary traditions, administration and changing treatment of sacred spaces.

Sources : Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities

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