1. Sacred Destinations
  2. Egypt
  3. Saqqara
  4. Mastaba of Mereruka

Mastaba of Mereruka, Saqqara

Photo © Richard Beck. View all images in our Mastaba of Mereruka Photo Gallery.
Photo © Richard Beck.
Photo © kairoinfo4u.
Photo © Richard Beck.

Mereruka's Mastaba is the largest mastaba (flat-topped tomb) in Saqqara, best known for its interior reliefs and murals.

History

The mastaba dates from the 6th Dynasty (2323-2150 BC) in the Old Kingdom period. It was built for Mereruka, the vizier to Pharaoh Teti (whose pyramid is next door), his wife Watethathor and his son Meryteti.

Excavations of Mereruka's Mastaba began in 1892 under Jacques de Morgan.

What to See

The mastaba contains 32 rooms, decorated with painted reliefs of everyday Egyptian life: fishing, hunting, metalworking (with dwarfs), sailing, and force-feeding animals, including a hyena. A standing statue of Mereruka emerges dynamically from a niche, marking the center of his cult and the place for offerings.

Kagemni's Mastaba adjoins the mastaba of Mereruka and is also well-decorated; probably by the same artist since similar scenes appear in both.


Quick Facts on Mastaba of Mereruka

Site Information
Names:Mastaba of Mereruka; Mastaba of Mereruka, Saqqara
City:Saqqara
Country:Egypt
cat:Graves and Tombs; Chambered Tombs
faith:Ancient Egyptian
style:Egyptian
Dates:c. 2200 BCE
Status:monument
Visitor and Contact Information
Location:Saqqara, Egypt
Coordinates:29.875969° N, 31.221014° E  (view on Google Maps)
Opening Hours:Daily 8-4
Cost:£e20; additional £e5 to take photos and £e25 to take video
Lodging:View hotels near this location
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Map of Mastaba of Mereruka

Below is a location map and aerial view of Mastaba of Mereruka. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.

References

  1. Mereruka's Mastaba - Fodors.com
  2. The Mastaba for Mereruka - The Pyramids of Egypt
  3. Mereruka Mastaba - OsirisNet

More Information

Article Info

Title:Mastaba of Mereruka, Saqqara
Author:Holly Hayes
Last updated:12/20/2010
Permalink:www.sacred-destinations.com/egypt/saqqara-mereruka-mastaba
Link code:<a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/egypt/saqqara-mereruka-mastaba">Mastaba of Mereruka, Saqqara</a>