Hekashepes

In 2023, an archaeological team led by renowned Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass made a groundbreaking discovery at Saqqara, an ancient burial site near Cairo, Egypt. This excavation uncovered several Old Kingdom tombs, including the sealed sarcophagus of Hekashepes, a noble who lived over 4,300 years ago during the 5th or 6th Dynasty (c. 2300 B.C.). The discovery was hailed as one of the most significant finds in decades, providing new insights into the burial customs and social hierarchy of Ancient Egypt.

The excavation took place in Saqqara, a vast necropolis that served as the burial ground for Memphis, Egypt’s first capital. The site is home to the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s oldest pyramid. The dig revealed a 50-foot (15-metre) deep burial shaft, where archaeologists uncovered multiple elite tombs, including those of high-ranking officials, priests, and palace servants. The most remarkable find was Hekashepes’ limestone sarcophagus, which had remained untouched since antiquity. It was sealed with mortar, preserving the body inside.

When the sarcophagus was opened, the team discovered a remarkably well-preserved mummy covered in gold leaf, a rare feature for non-royal burials of this period. The level of preservation suggests that mummification techniques in the Old Kingdom were more advanced than previously believed. Hekashepes’ burial was found alongside those of other notable figures, such as Khnumdjedef, a priest who served under Pharaoh Unas, and Meri, a royal palace official.

The dating of these tombs to the 5th and 6th Dynasties of the Old Kingdom was established through inscriptions, funerary artifacts, and architectural styles. The discovery reinforces the importance of Saqqara as a burial site for Egypt’s elite and provides valuable data on the funerary practices of high-status individuals during this era. The excavation was part of a broader effort to uncover new insights into Egypt’s early history and the evolution of its burial traditions.

The Mummy of Hekashepes

The discovery of the mummy of Hekashepes in 2023 marked one of the most significant archaeological findings in recent years. Found in the Saqqara necropolis, an ancient burial site near Cairo, Egypt, Hekashepes’ tomb dates back over 4,300 years to the Old Kingdom period, c. 2300 B.C. This discovery offers valuable insights into the burial practices and mummification techniques of high-status individuals during this early period of Egyptian civilization.

Hekashepes’ burial was found in a sealed limestone sarcophagus at the bottom of a 15-metre (50-foot) deep shaft. This is particularly rare, as most Old Kingdom tombs were looted in antiquity. The sarcophagus was completely sealed with mortar, preserving the body inside. When archaeologists opened it, they found a well-preserved mummy covered in gold leaf, a feature that signifies wealth and high social standing. Gold was associated with divinity in ancient Egyptian belief, suggesting that Hekashepes was an elite individual who could afford such an elaborate burial.

The discovery is significant because it provides evidence that mummification techniques in the Old Kingdom may have been more advanced than previously thought. Mummification in this period was still developing, and well-preserved bodies from this era are extremely rare. Hekashepes’ remains indicate that elite individuals may have had access to sophisticated embalming techniques that helped preserve their bodies for the afterlife.

Hekashepes’ tomb was part of a larger complex of burials belonging to high-ranking officials of the Old Kingdom, including priests and palace officials. Alongside his burial, archaeologists also uncovered the tombs of Khnumdjedef, a priest serving under Pharaoh Unas, and Meri, a royal palace official. These findings provide crucial context for understanding how Egypt’s nobility was buried and the religious beliefs surrounding death and the Afterlife.

Saqqara Necropolis

The Saqqara Necropolis, located near Cairo, Egypt, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Serving as the burial ground for Memphis, Egypt’s first capital, Saqqara was used as a royal and elite cemetery for thousands of years. It is best known for the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built during the 27th century B.C. by the architect Imhotep, marking the beginning of pyramid construction in Egypt. The recent discovery of the tomb of Hekashepes, along with other elite burials, highlights the importance of Saqqara during the Old Kingdom, c. 2686–2181 B.C.

During the Old Kingdom, Egyptian burial traditions evolved significantly, with nobles and high-ranking officials being granted elaborate tombs. Unlike the pharaohs, who were buried in pyramids, elite individuals were typically interred in mastabas—rectangular mud-brick or stone tombs with underground burial chambers. These structures often featured chapels with false doors, which were believed to allow the deceased’s spirit to pass between the world of the living and the afterlife. Deep burial shafts, such as the one where Hekashepes was found, were constructed to protect the deceased and their belongings from grave robbers.

Mummification during the Old Kingdom was still developing, but the discovery of well-preserved mummies, such as that of Hekashepes, suggests that high-status individuals had access to advanced embalming techniques. Their bodies were often adorned with gold leaf, symbolizing divinity and the eternal nature of the afterlife. The tombs of nobles were also filled with funerary goods, including food, statues, jewellery, and inscriptions detailing the deceased’s titles and accomplishments. These offerings were meant to sustain the soul in the afterlife, a core belief in Egyptian religion.

Saqqara’s significance continued beyond the Old Kingdom, serving as a burial site well into the Greco-Roman period. The discovery of untouched tombs from the 5th and 6th Dynasties, such as that of Hekashepes, provides crucial insight into the religious and cultural practices of early Egyptian civilization. As excavations continue, Saqqara remains a key site for understanding how the ancient Egyptians honoured their dead and prepared for eternity.