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Ptahshepses, vizier and king's son-in-low as reflected in his unpublished tomb equipment

Publication at Faculty of Arts |
2021

Abstract

The personage of Ptahshepses, who held the vizieral office in the mid-Fifth Dynasty, is well-known to Egyptologists. Through marriage to Princess Khamerernebty, Ptahshepses became the king's son-in-law and pledged his loyalty to the ruler, Nyuserre.

Like a handful of his contemporaries, Ptahshepses reached the peak of what was possible in contemporary society. His mastaba, however, has no parallel when compared to others.

Ptahshepses' extraordinary position was reflected in his tomb's location, vastness (2375,60 sq. m), architectural concept, decoration, impressiveness and equipment. In accordance with the spatial tomb distribution of Old Kingdom officials, which mirrored the social and administrative system of society at that time, Ptahshepses' exceptional position was also expressed in the rare materials used for the burial items.

So far, it is known that the king provided him with a sarcophagus made of red granite, a material only some royal family members and selected high-ranking dignitaries could afford in the Fifth Dynasty. Other objects from his burial equipment have not been presented and published yet.