English
the Mastaba of Akhethotep and Ptahhotep (D64), a fascinating funerary complex located in the Saqqara necropolis near Djoser’s step pyramid. Here’s what we know:
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Location and Discovery:
- The mastaba is situated in the north-west part of Saqqara, to the west of Djoser’s step pyramid.
- It was discovered by Mariette during excavations in 1850.
- The only detailed documentation we have is from Norman de Garis Davies in the early 20th century.
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Family and Ownership:
- The mastaba served as the common burial site for two high commissioners from the end of the 5th Dynasty:
- Vizier Akhethotep: A prominent official who held various titles, including Supreme judge and vizier, Priest of Ma’at, and High priest of the beautiful pyramid of Djed-Ka-ra.
- Ptahhotep II: The son of Akhethotep, who shares ownership of the mastaba with his father.
- The elder Ptahhotep (Ptahhotep I) has his own tomb designated as D62, with the entrance facing east.
- The mastaba served as the common burial site for two high commissioners from the end of the 5th Dynasty:
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Misleading Name:
- Although the mastaba is commonly referred to as the “Tomb of Ptahhotep”, this is incorrect.
- Initially, only the chapel of Ptahhotep was open to the public, leading to the misleading name.
- The complex is hardly visible from orbital cameras due to its color blending with the surrounding desert sand.
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Layout and Reconstruction:
- A modern ramp provides access to a courtyard area with entrances to two mastabas.
- The entrance to D64 (Akhethotep and Ptahhotep’s mastaba) is located at the southern end, facing north.
- The complex also contains several smaller mastabas that haven’t survived as well as D62 and D64.
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Decorated Areas:
- Akhethotep’s portion of the mastaba is considerable and includes:
- Entrance Corridor: Approximately 7 meters long, decorated on the east and west sides.
- T-shaped Chapel: Covers the top 60-70% of the walls.
- Other rooms and corridors remain practically blank.
- Akhethotep’s portion of the mastaba is considerable and includes:
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Family Relationship:
- Akhethotep (D64) was the son of Ptahhotep (D62).
- Ptahhotep (D64) shares the mastaba with his father and is usually referred to as Ptahhotep II.
- Akhethotep and Ptahhotep (sons of Ptahhotep II) are mentioned in D64.
