Czech Archaeologists Rediscover Lost Tomb of Ancient Egyptian Official Ptahshepses

In a remarkable archaeological find, a team of Czech archaeologists has unearthed the long-lost tomb of an ancient Egyptian official named Ptahshepses. This discovery offers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal period of ancient Egyptian history, shedding light on the life and significance of Ptahshepses, who lived around 4,400 years ago during the 24th and 25th centuries BCE.

The rediscovery of Ptahshepses' tomb occurred in the zone between the pyramid fields of Abusir and Saqqara, Egypt. Miroslav Barta, head of research at Abusir, described the challenging search that spanned several years. He explained that meticulous examination of old maps and detailed satellite imagery of the area played a pivotal role in the tomb's rediscovery in 2022.

Ptahshepses' Historical Significance

The story of this ancient tomb began approximately 160 years ago when French scholar Auguste Mariette partially excavated the site. He extracted Ptahshepses' false door and a lintel that was originally placed above the cult chapel. These artifacts, which offer valuable insights into Ptahshepses' life, are currently on display at the British Museum. The false door, in particular, provides a unique account of Ptahshepses' career, documenting how he received an education at the court of the last Giza ruler, Menkaure, and later married the daughter of pharaoh Userkaf. Userkaf was a prominent figure in Egyptian history, as he founded the Fifth Dynasty of Sun Kings. What makes this marriage especially significant is that it is the first known instance of an official of non-royal descent in Egyptian history marrying a royal daughter.

The chapel after cleaning.

Image courtesy of © Archive of the Czech Institute of Egyptology, Faculty of Arts, Charles University

Ptahshepses' Contribution to Egyptian Mythology

Furthermore, the lintel in Ptahshepses' tomb contains one of the earliest attestations of the god Osiris, a pivotal figure in Egyptian mythology associated with the afterlife. This discovery underscores Ptahshepses' historical significance, as he can be credited with introducing Osiris into the Egyptian pantheon.

The tomb has been dated to the reign of Nyuserra Ini, the sixth ruler of the Fifth Dynasty during the Old Kingdom period. Ptahshepses' tomb not only provides a window into his political and historical significance but also serves as a crucial missing link between smaller mastabas with a single cult chapel and extensive family tombs, such as the neighboring tomb of Ty, constructed around the same time.

Architectural Marvel and Burial Chamber

The extensive excavation work carried out in 2022 revealed a well-preserved chapel with painted decorations at the entrance, two serdabs (spaces used for statues of the owner), and a long access corridor within the 42-meter-long and 22-meter-wide superstructure of the mastaba. It was an architectural marvel of its time. In 2023, the archaeologists gained access to the burial chamber, which had a massive limestone blocking stone still in place. Although the chamber had been robbed in antiquity, it retained some original burial equipment, including votive offerings and pottery.

The burial chamber, complete with sarcophagus.

Image courtesy of © Archive of the Czech Institute of Egyptology, Faculty of Arts, Charles University

One intriguing find in Ptahshepses' tomb was a mummified fish, a unique discovery and the first of its kind. The most significant revelation came when the archaeologists opened the partially accessible sarcophagus, finding the mummified remains of Ptahshepses himself. Examination of these remains has offered new insights into the mummification techniques used during the Old Kingdom period, contributing to our understanding of ancient Egyptian burial practices.

Continuing Research

Miroslav Barta, who led the expedition, expressed the importance of this discovery, stating, "The tomb of a man who changed the course of Egyptian history has thus been rediscovered, representing one of the expedition's greatest recent discoveries. The research is still ongoing, and further discoveries will likely be made to shed new light on his family and times."

The rediscovery of Ptahshepses' tomb is not only a testament to the dedication and persistence of the Czech archaeologists but also a significant milestone in understanding the history, culture, and religious beliefs of ancient Egypt. This discovery opens up new avenues for research, promising to unveil more secrets of Ptahshepses' life and the remarkable times in which he lived.