Charles Explorer logo
🇬🇧

The recent discoveries of the Czech Institute of Egyptology in Abusir

Publication at Faculty of Arts |
2014

Abstract

The archaeological exploration of the Czech Institute of Egyptology (Charles University, Prague) at Abusir has been for almost 40 years concentrating on the Abusir pyramid field, located 20 km to the southwest of Cairo. It contains two types of monuments: tombs of kings, queens and private individuals coming from the time of the 6th/5th dynasty (Old Kingdom), The works of the Czech Institute at the site have begun with the archaeological exploration of the mastaba of Ptahshepses and the pyramid complex of Queen Khentkaus II. the cemetery of Old Kingdom officials of lower and middle rank at South Abusir, including most recently uncovered court of a princess Sheretnebty (2500 B C) buried together with her husband and other courtiers while most members of the Fifth Dynasty royal family are buried ca 2 km north, in the central field of Abusir, or further south in Saqqara.

Recently discovered serdab, at corridor of the tomb of royal scribe Nefer, containing several limestone statues that show excellent quality craftsmanship. Amongst the most important discoveries of recent years was the tomb of Shepseskafanch the royal physician.

The Czech mission is currently continuing investigation of the site, expecting further surprising discoveries.