SACCARA – EXCURSION DESCRIPTION

Saqqara is an archaeological monument located on the west coast of the Nile River, 30 km south of Cairo. This is the largest eight-kilometer necropolis of Memphis – a city that was once the capital of Egypt. Many dynasties of the rulers of the Country of the Pyramids are buried here. The necropolis Sakkara is named in honor of the god Sokkara.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Saqqara is a set of archaeological monuments in the middle of the desert, which are connected by stone paths. Walking under the scorching sun is very hard here. It would seem that in this place in the middle of the desert is not surprising. You can pay attention only to the pyramid of Djoser. But this is only at first glance. All the main attractions of Saqqara are hidden from view and are underground.
You can get to Saqqara from Cairo by train or bus. This transport goes to the village of El Bedrashein. The easiest way to get to this place is by taxi.
At the entrance to the necropolis is a ticket office. There is also the pyramid of Unas – the last ruler of Egypt V dynasty. At one kilometer from it is another pyramid. Saqqara is famous for the step pyramid of Djoser, the ruler of the Third Dynasty. This is the largest structure in the world, built of processed stone.
Saqqara also includes temples. The authorship of the whole complex is attributed to the famous court priest Imhotep, who was also a talented architect, doctor and astronomer.
Enter the pyramid of Djoser can only be with special permission. An excursion takes place inside it, which lasts for several hours. A halt can be arranged on the ruins of the necropolis, as it may take a whole day to explore all the sights.
Pyramid of Djoser
You can visit the monastery of St. Jerome. It is located opposite the pedestrian walkway that leads to the Pyramid of Unas, not far from the parking lot. The Coptic Museum of Egypt keeps relics from this monastery.
SIGHTS OF SACCARA
To the northeast of the complex of Djoser are the tombs of Meriruk and Kagemani. The reliefs on the inner walls of these buildings show the life of the ancient inhabitants of Egypt. Here you can see the scene of the harvest, hunting, burial and holidays. These reliefs are very well preserved.
Also very beautiful reliefs adorn the walls of the tomb of Ankarabar, erected not far from the tombs of Meriruk and Kagemani. Among other things, the drawings perpetuated the work of artisans: jewelers, sculptors, chasers.
Not far from the tomb of Teti built hotel, which sells beer and soft drinks. There is also a double tomb of Akhtekhotep and Ptahotep – father and son. They were important officials during the reign of Pharaoh Isesi. On the contrary – the tomb of Ti.
Also near the hotel is Serapeum. Many centuries ago the Apis bulls were buried there. At the entrance to it are the statues of poets and philosophers of Greece. Next to Serapeum, there is a cemetery with the burial of mummified baboons and ibises.
Necropolis of Memphis
South of the complex Djoser is the unfinished step pyramid of Sehemchet, discovered in 1950. It was found later than the others, since it was located outside the area where the excavations were carried out. In 1975, the tombs of Maya were searched for in Saqqara and they accidentally discovered a tomb intended for General Horemheb, who later became a pharaoh. By the time the tomb of Maya was discovered, many more tombs were found.
If you move to the south, you can get to the pyramid complexes of Pepi I, Jedi-kari Isesi, Shepseskaf and Pepi II.
Necropolis Sakkara – an amazing place. In total, more than fifteen graves and many artifacts have been found to date. But the sands of the desert of Egypt hide much more interesting secrets. The necropolis of Memphis occupies a vast territory, and Saqqara is only a small part of it.