Empty sealed sarcophagus found in Sekhmekhet's unfinished pyramid

September 12, 2024

EgyptGeneral

Pyramid complex3000 - 1500 BC

Source: The Emptiness of Pyramid Sarcophagi by History for GRANITE

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. 🔺

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