Mastaba of Mereruka

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

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.

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.