Tomb of Akhethetep
Encyclopedia
The Tomb of Akhethetep also Tomb or Mastaba of Akhethotep, is a tomb complex that was built and completed at different times in Saqqarah, Giza, Egypt
. It is the tomb of Akhethotep, a royal official, located near the western part of the Step Pyramid
in Saqqara
. Akhethotep and his son Ptahhotep Tshefi, grandson of Ptahhotep, were senior court officials during the rule of the Djedkare (2414-2375 BC) and of Unas
(Weinis), towards the end of the 5th dynasty (2494 to 2345 BC).
The tomb was discovered in 1903 by Georges Aaron Bénédite
and two female colleagues, Miss Petrie and Miss Murray. Akhethotep was a high dignitary of Ancient Egypt
who lived during the Fifth Dynasty around 2400 BC and directed its construction initially. He was a son of Peseshet
. Bénédite excavated the tomb and reassembled it in the Louvre
in Paris
. One of the depictions on the wall of the tomb was Akhethotep directing the building of the tomb.
A sketch plan dated 1940 prepared by Abd El Salam Mohammed Hussein, architect of the Department of Antiquities, based on his explorations near the causeway of King Unis, shows a group of tombs located about 190–220 m (623.4–721.8 ) away from the pyramid of Unis, which among others included the tomb of Akhethotep. The tombs were found in a depression about 10 metres (32.8 ft) below a wall that protected the causeway.
. While the first Prthotep’s tomb is also in Saqqar, his son’s and grandson’s tomb adjoin each other, as a complex, as the tomb of Akhetheotep and its annexe; Prthotep Tshefi is credited with having authored the Deir el-Madina Maxims on a papyrus
manuscript. Akhethotep held the positions of “vizier
, judge, supervisor of pyramid cities and supervisor of priests.” His son Prtahotep, who inherited all the titles and the tomb, was also buried in the tomb in an annex wing adjoining his father’s tomb. This tomb on the southern side of the causeway is a combined mastaba
comprising two burial chambers, two chapels and a pillared hall. When the tomb was located during archaeological explorations they were in a good state of preservation undisturbed by human vandalism. It was dated as not later than the 5th Dynasty vintage. In 1903, the funerary chapel of the tomb was relocated in the Louvre
under the direction of Georges Benedite, the Curator of the Egyptian Department of the Museum, after it was bought from the Government of Egypt. The reassembled chapel in the Louvre is a structure of limestone blocks with bas relief that also recreates the monument as it existed originally.)
, Jean-Pierre Adam
and Guillemette Andreu-Lanoë, have identified over eight years (1991-1999) that the tomb was 32 metres (105 ft) long, 16.1 metres (52.8 ft) in width, respectively about 60 and 30 Egyptian cubits, 5.92 metres (19.4 ft) high present; the initial height can be estimated at approximately 6.4 metres (21 ft).
The mastaba
is accessed through a narrow gate topped by a scroll on which is inscribed the name of the owner. The doorway is decorated in relief with a noteworthy scene of Akhethotep transporting statues to the tomb. The interior forms a small rectangular room whose left wall is pierced by a day that was formerly the tomb which contained the statues of the deceased.
Akhethotep's body was buried in a subterranean vault at the end of a shaft. Excavations of the limestone chapel above it have found items which were used in offerings to Akhethotep, from offering tables and statues and the remains of the sacrament funeral in the crypt among which include a canopic jar with a limestone
cover plate. It is highly decorated with bas reliefs, illustrating much about the life of Akhethetep on his country estate and feasts with live entertainment. The visitors would come to offer food and drink to his spirit, and recite texts to him, which would provide him with a flourishing afterlife. Among the noteworthy statues found in the vicinity of the chapel of the mastaba, is that of a man standing, probably Akhethotep, wearing a priestly garb wearing a panther
skin and the insignia of the goddess Bat
. It was also determined that the mastaba was plundered in antiquity and many subsequent burials took place until the Late Period.
A subterranean vault at the end of a shaft contained Akhethotep's body. However, the chapel above the tomb was accessible. The west wall with a carved false door, was considered a symbolic representation of a gateway between the land of the living and the dead. Engravings also depicted incense offerings by Prthotep Tshefi to his father's statues. Evidences of sacrificial offerings, funerary meals and Akhethotep's estates were noted. On one stele Akhethotep is called " prophet of the Unas pyramid Nefer asut" ; but on the other he is "prophet of the Unas pyramid Asut asutt".
The back wall is occupied by two high false door stelae mimicking the facade of the royal palace. The set was painted in bright colors that imitate wood and fabrics adorning the double door. Other walls show classic domestic scenes of life in 2400 BC, such as farm work, hunting in the marshes (including hippopotamus and fish, or the funeral of Akhethotep, meals and festivities and metaphorical images of boating down a river which allude both to his journeys in real life, and to his voyage on the waters of the dead which were to accompany him forever, on the serdab wall.
During the refurbishments of the halls of the Louvre in 1985, it was analysed further and restored. The analysis helped to highlight the technical characteristics that distinguish the wall of the false door from the other three walls. The wall of the false door is mainly composed of large slabs of stone, regular shape and symmetrical, surmounted by a series of smaller blocks. The other walls are conceptually different, the blocks are irregular, the most massive stones are placed on the ground, as bedrock.
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
. It is the tomb of Akhethotep, a royal official, located near the western part of the Step Pyramid
Pyramid of Djoser
The Pyramid of Djoser , or step pyramid is an archeological remain in the Saqqara necropolis, Egypt, northwest of the city of Memphis. It was built during the 27th century BC for the burial of Pharaoh Djoser by Imhotep, his vizier...
in Saqqara
Saqqara
Saqqara is a vast, ancient burial ground in Egypt, serving as the necropolis for the Ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis. Saqqara features numerous pyramids, including the world famous Step pyramid of Djoser, sometimes referred to as the Step Tomb due to its rectangular base, as well as a number of...
. Akhethotep and his son Ptahhotep Tshefi, grandson of Ptahhotep, were senior court officials during the rule of the Djedkare (2414-2375 BC) and of Unas
Unas
Unas was a Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt, and the last ruler of the Fifth dynasty from the Old Kingdom. His reign has been dated as falling between 2375 BC and 2345 BC...
(Weinis), towards the end of the 5th dynasty (2494 to 2345 BC).
The tomb was discovered in 1903 by Georges Aaron Bénédite
Georges Aaron Bénédite
Georges Aaron Bénédite was a French Egyptologist from Nîmes.He was the son of Samuel and Isabella Bénédite Lisbon, whose second husband George Lafenestre , was a noted poet, art critic and curator of the Louvre, who helped raise the young George Aaron; who himself later became a curator at the...
and two female colleagues, Miss Petrie and Miss Murray. Akhethotep was a high dignitary of Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt was an ancient civilization of Northeastern Africa, concentrated along the lower reaches of the Nile River in what is now the modern country of Egypt. Egyptian civilization coalesced around 3150 BC with the political unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under the first pharaoh...
who lived during the Fifth Dynasty around 2400 BC and directed its construction initially. He was a son of Peseshet
Peseshet
Peseshet, who lived under the Fourth Dynasty, is often credited with being the earliest known female physician in ancient Egypt, though another, Merit Ptah lived earlier. Her title was "lady overseer of the female physicians," but whether she was a physician herself is uncertain...
. Bénédite excavated the tomb and reassembled it in the Louvre
Louvre
The Musée du Louvre – in English, the Louvre Museum or simply the Louvre – is one of the world's largest museums, the most visited art museum in the world and a historic monument. A central landmark of Paris, it is located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the 1st arrondissement...
in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
. One of the depictions on the wall of the tomb was Akhethotep directing the building of the tomb.
A sketch plan dated 1940 prepared by Abd El Salam Mohammed Hussein, architect of the Department of Antiquities, based on his explorations near the causeway of King Unis, shows a group of tombs located about 190–220 m (623.4–721.8 ) away from the pyramid of Unis, which among others included the tomb of Akhethotep. The tombs were found in a depression about 10 metres (32.8 ft) below a wall that protected the causeway.
History
Akhethotep, son of the first Prthotep, who served as the court official, was a third generation of his family serving the kings. He named his son as Prthotep Tshefi who also became a vizierVizier
A vizier or in Arabic script ; ; sometimes spelled vazir, vizir, vasir, wazir, vesir, or vezir) is a high-ranking political advisor or minister in a Muslim government....
. While the first Prthotep’s tomb is also in Saqqar, his son’s and grandson’s tomb adjoin each other, as a complex, as the tomb of Akhetheotep and its annexe; Prthotep Tshefi is credited with having authored the Deir el-Madina Maxims on a papyrus
Papyrus
Papyrus is a thick paper-like material produced from the pith of the papyrus plant, Cyperus papyrus, a wetland sedge that was once abundant in the Nile Delta of Egypt....
manuscript. Akhethotep held the positions of “vizier
Vizier
A vizier or in Arabic script ; ; sometimes spelled vazir, vizir, vasir, wazir, vesir, or vezir) is a high-ranking political advisor or minister in a Muslim government....
, judge, supervisor of pyramid cities and supervisor of priests.” His son Prtahotep, who inherited all the titles and the tomb, was also buried in the tomb in an annex wing adjoining his father’s tomb. This tomb on the southern side of the causeway is a combined mastaba
Mastaba
A mastaba, or "pr-djt" , is a type of ancient Egyptian tomb in the form of a flat-roofed, rectangular structure with outward sloping sides that marked the burial site of many eminent Egyptians of Egypt's ancient period...
comprising two burial chambers, two chapels and a pillared hall. When the tomb was located during archaeological explorations they were in a good state of preservation undisturbed by human vandalism. It was dated as not later than the 5th Dynasty vintage. In 1903, the funerary chapel of the tomb was relocated in the Louvre
Louvre
The Musée du Louvre – in English, the Louvre Museum or simply the Louvre – is one of the world's largest museums, the most visited art museum in the world and a historic monument. A central landmark of Paris, it is located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the 1st arrondissement...
under the direction of Georges Benedite, the Curator of the Egyptian Department of the Museum, after it was bought from the Government of Egypt. The reassembled chapel in the Louvre is a structure of limestone blocks with bas relief that also recreates the monument as it existed originally.)
Description
Archaeologists, notably Christiane ZieglerChristiane Ziegler
Christiane Ziegler , is a French Egyptologist, curator, director emeritus of the Department of Egyptian Antiquities of the Louvre Museum and editorial director of the archaeological mission from the Louvre Museum at Saqqara, Egypt.-Early years:Ziegler was a student at the Institut de Science...
, Jean-Pierre Adam
Jean-Pierre Adam
Jean-Pierre Adam is a French archaeologist, specialising in ancient architecture.Following a special diploma from the School of Architecture in 1965, he entered the ancient architecture department of the CNRS...
and Guillemette Andreu-Lanoë, have identified over eight years (1991-1999) that the tomb was 32 metres (105 ft) long, 16.1 metres (52.8 ft) in width, respectively about 60 and 30 Egyptian cubits, 5.92 metres (19.4 ft) high present; the initial height can be estimated at approximately 6.4 metres (21 ft).
The mastaba
Mastaba
A mastaba, or "pr-djt" , is a type of ancient Egyptian tomb in the form of a flat-roofed, rectangular structure with outward sloping sides that marked the burial site of many eminent Egyptians of Egypt's ancient period...
is accessed through a narrow gate topped by a scroll on which is inscribed the name of the owner. The doorway is decorated in relief with a noteworthy scene of Akhethotep transporting statues to the tomb. The interior forms a small rectangular room whose left wall is pierced by a day that was formerly the tomb which contained the statues of the deceased.
Akhethotep's body was buried in a subterranean vault at the end of a shaft. Excavations of the limestone chapel above it have found items which were used in offerings to Akhethotep, from offering tables and statues and the remains of the sacrament funeral in the crypt among which include a canopic jar with a limestone
Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate . Many limestones are composed from skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral or foraminifera....
cover plate. It is highly decorated with bas reliefs, illustrating much about the life of Akhethetep on his country estate and feasts with live entertainment. The visitors would come to offer food and drink to his spirit, and recite texts to him, which would provide him with a flourishing afterlife. Among the noteworthy statues found in the vicinity of the chapel of the mastaba, is that of a man standing, probably Akhethotep, wearing a priestly garb wearing a panther
Panthera
Panthera is a genus of the family Felidae , which contains four well-known living species: the tiger, the lion, the jaguar, and the leopard. The genus comprises about half of the Pantherinae subfamily, the big cats...
skin and the insignia of the goddess Bat
Bat
Bats are mammals of the order Chiroptera "hand" and pteron "wing") whose forelimbs form webbed wings, making them the only mammals naturally capable of true and sustained flight. By contrast, other mammals said to fly, such as flying squirrels, gliding possums, and colugos, glide rather than fly,...
. It was also determined that the mastaba was plundered in antiquity and many subsequent burials took place until the Late Period.
A subterranean vault at the end of a shaft contained Akhethotep's body. However, the chapel above the tomb was accessible. The west wall with a carved false door, was considered a symbolic representation of a gateway between the land of the living and the dead. Engravings also depicted incense offerings by Prthotep Tshefi to his father's statues. Evidences of sacrificial offerings, funerary meals and Akhethotep's estates were noted. On one stele Akhethotep is called " prophet of the Unas pyramid Nefer asut" ; but on the other he is "prophet of the Unas pyramid Asut asutt".
The back wall is occupied by two high false door stelae mimicking the facade of the royal palace. The set was painted in bright colors that imitate wood and fabrics adorning the double door. Other walls show classic domestic scenes of life in 2400 BC, such as farm work, hunting in the marshes (including hippopotamus and fish, or the funeral of Akhethotep, meals and festivities and metaphorical images of boating down a river which allude both to his journeys in real life, and to his voyage on the waters of the dead which were to accompany him forever, on the serdab wall.
During the refurbishments of the halls of the Louvre in 1985, it was analysed further and restored. The analysis helped to highlight the technical characteristics that distinguish the wall of the false door from the other three walls. The wall of the false door is mainly composed of large slabs of stone, regular shape and symmetrical, surmounted by a series of smaller blocks. The other walls are conceptually different, the blocks are irregular, the most massive stones are placed on the ground, as bedrock.