A team of Spanish and Egyptian archaeologists, led by Spanish Egyptologist Josep Cervelló, discovered an exceptional tomb this summer in Saqqara, southwest of Cairo. It dates back to the end of the Old Kingdom’s 5th Dynasty, around 2494–2345 BC.
The excavations were carried out by an expedition led by the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities.
This is an exceptional mastaba with two burial chapels. The tomb was commissioned by a high official named Junmen, who served during the reign of Pharaoh Djedkare Isesi. He also ensured that his father Ichis, a lower-ranking official, was buried nearby.
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities confirmed that the tomb was built at the end of the 5th Dynasty, during the reign of Djedkare Isesi. It was found in the Mariette necropolis, north of Saqqara.
According to the ministry, the tomb contains two burial chapels belonging to two high-ranking officials – Junmen and his father Ichis.
Colorful reliefs tell about ancient Egyptian life
The archaeologists were surprised not only by the historical significance of the tomb but also by the quality and beauty of its decoration.
Among the exceptional finds are a high artistic quality architrave and burial texts adapted to the status and duties of the tomb owner.
The tomb scenes and reliefs are especially well preserved. They depict agricultural work and processions carrying offerings to the deceased. Many of these images have retained their original colors to this day.
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Many of these images have retained their original colors to this day.
The tomb decoration also features donkeys and other animals.
According to Egyptian authorities, this discovery provides new important knowledge about Ancient Egyptian architecture, art, and administrative life at the end of the 5th Dynasty.
The tomb may reveal the social rise of an official
Besides its historical and scientific value, the mastaba stands out for its artistic quality.
Archaeologists believe that the double tomb may reflect Junmen’s social ascent. He was the son of a provincial official but later rose to a high position in the central administration. According to researchers, the decision to bury his father in the same tomb may have been a way to emphasize family ties and social status.
The Saqqara area has been known to archaeologists since the 19th century, when French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette began excavations here. However, the specific site had not been thoroughly explored and documented until now.
The aim of this project is not only to find new archaeological sites but also to reconstruct the topography of the Saqqara necropolis and better understand how it functioned as a living space.
The ancient Egyptians constantly brought offerings here, performed religious rituals, and built burial monuments. Therefore, scientists seek to clarify how the necropolis was organized – from streets and squares to the movement of people and burial cult rituals.
By analyzing old maps and reconstructing the layout of the area, the team discovered a previously unknown mastaba. Nearby, signs were also found suggesting the presence of two more similar structures.
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Archaeologists hope to investigate them during upcoming excavation seasons.
