Mereruka's Mastaba, Saqqara 
Cult statue of Mereruka in Mereruka's Mastaba. Photo © Richard Beck.
Ship engraved on the wall of Mereruka's Mastaba. Photo © Richard Beck
Relief depicting fishing. Photo
kairoinfo4u.
More fishing in another relief. 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
| Location: | Saqqara, Egypt |
| Hours: | Daily 8-4. |
| Cost: | £e20; additional £e5 to take photos and £e25 to take video |
Article Sources
- Mereruka's Mastaba - Fodors.com
- The Mastaba for Mereruka - The Pyramids of Egypt
- Mereruka Mastaba - OsirisNet
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Mereuka's Mastaba. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Saqqara Map or get our free Google Earth download.
