EXCAVATION REPORT: ARCHITECTURAL REMAINS AT ABUSIR-SOUTH

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Abusir Site

Excavation site at Abusir

The Research at Abusir

At the site of Abusir, about 10 km south of the Giza plateau, there is another large royal cemetery of the Old Kingdom. The cemetery is composed of four kings' pyramids belonging to the 5th Dynasty and surrounding tombs built by royal family and officials, which is a typical layout of royal cemeteries in the Old Kingdom. Additionally, the kings of the 5th Dynasty constructed Sun Temples on the desert to the northwest of the pyramids. The existence of these Sun Temples, as well as of the royal pyramids, is the most characteristic feature of this area. The Czechoslovakian Mission has been excavating the cemetery in vicinity of the pyramids for these twenty years.

Our research on the sites around the pyramids in the Abusir area commenced in September 1990. Here, as on the Giza plateau, our research aimed at elucidating the formation process of the pyramids and surrounding sites. During the first season from September to October 1990 and the second season from April to May 1991, general surveys were carried out to the west and the southeast of the pyramids respectively. Two methods were introduced into the general survey, one being archaeological observation of the ground surface, and the their underground exploration by the electromagnetic wave exploration system. As a result of these surveys, a number of surface scatterings of artificial objects were found by archaeological observation and many abnormal reflections were detected by underground exploration.

According their indication the research has carried out, and the building of Khaemwaset in the reign of Ramesses II was excavated.

Plan of the sitePlan of the site (JPG format, 72 DPI, ca. 53KB)

Axonometric view of the siteAxonometric view of the site (JPG format, 72 DPI, ca. 56KB)

All correspondence should be sent to: Institute of Egyptology (institute-egyptology@list.waseda.jp).

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(First drafted: 20 February 1996)