In 1951, Egyptian archaeologist Zakaria Goneim discovered and excavated the Unfinished Pyramid of Sekhemkhet (also known as the 'Buried Pyramid') at Saqqara. A sealed alabaster (travertine) sarcophagus was found in a rough unfinished chamber beneath the pyramid. When opened, it was empty despite being sealed with gypsum plaster and glue. The unique side-sliding door design and rough interior suggest it was meant for temporary use, not permanent burial. 🔺
Empty sealed sarcophagus found in Sekhmekhet's unfinished pyramid
EgyptGeneral
Key facts
- Pyramid of Sekhemkhet- Buried Pyramid discovered and excavated by Zachariah Gim in early 1950s
- Alabaster sarcophagus found sealed in rough unfinished chamber beneath the pyramid
- In 1954, the sarcophagus was opened for the first time - it was empty despite being sealed with gypsum plaster and glue
- Unique design: only Egyptian sarcophagus that opens from the side with a vertically sliding door
- Interior is rough with visible tubular drill cuts; exterior was polished and patched
- Rope holes were drilled for vertical lowering of the panel, with alabaster plugs to seal them after closure
- Dovetail-shaped patches were used to repair damaged corners
- Pyramid passage was bricked up twice with different masonry styles - left side squared evenly, right side uneven
- Scholars suggest sarcophagus was intended as temporary resting place, not permanent burial
- This may explain why early pyramid sarcophagi were plain and uninscribed compared to elaborate mastaba coffers
Sources
isida-project.ucoz.com
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lah.ru
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academia.edu
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