
South Saqqara is completely separate from Saqqara. It is located about
one kilometer south of the
pyramid of
Sekhemkhet, which is the most southern of all the pyramids in
Saqqara. South
Saqqara was founded in the
6th Dynasty (2345 - 2181 BC) by the pharaohs. A few of the
tombs are interesting and are based on the architecture of the
Pyramid of
Unas. Most of the
tombs have been plundered for their stones by stone-masons or their suppliers of stones.
The
pyramids of
Pepi I and
Merenre
(
Merenre's
Pyramid) are in complete ruin. To the east of the pyramid of
Merenre is the
Pyramid of
Pepi II. This pyramid is surrounded by an
entire funerary
complex.
The inner chamber contains inscriptions and stars. There are
smaller pyramids in the
area as well that belonged to his queens. For example,
Djedkare's
5th Dynasty pyramid
has an
adjoining pyramid that we believe was that of his consort or queen,
but unfortunately there is no evidence of this woman's name. They are all designed the same as Pepi's and contain a
miniature funerary complex as well. The Pyramid of Queen Neith has some wonderful
decorations and inscriptions.
To the east of the Pepi II complex is the Mastaba Faraoun, the
tomb of
Shepseskaf. He was
the last
Pharaoh of the
4th Dynasty (2613 - 2494 BC). The inside is undecorated and large
granite blocks make up the walls. The tomb looks like a huge sarcophagus from the outside. It
was originally covered with a thin layer of limestone.
Further to the south are two more pyramids. The first belongs to
Khendjer. This pyramid is
made of brick and has a funerary complex that is made of quartzite. The
second pyramid has
no inscriptions and is unfinished. It has white stone chambers which are underground and a
funerary chamber made of quartzite. No signs of use are found.
Archives