Evidence of pre-Khufu settlement and cemetery at Giza (Pyramids) plateau. Wadi cemetery with two building levels existed before clearance for Khufu's Western Cemetery Mastaba G2000 (anonymous son of Khufu) occupies area roughly 100x45 m Middle layer of dump material contains decayed mud bricks with limestone chips - evidence of demolished buildings
New analysis shows the Wadi Cemetery had two distinct building phases before Khufu's Western Cemetery was built. Small pre-Old Kingdom mastabas survived clearance, suggesting the area was already filled with minor tombs when Khufu selected the spot.
Key facts claimed:
- Wadi cemetery with two building levels existed before clearance for Khufu's Western Cemetery
- Mastaba G2000 (anonymous son of Khufu) occupies area roughly 100x45 m
- Middle layer of dump material contains decayed mud bricks with limestone chips - evidence of demolished buildings
- Reisner noted small pre-Old Kingdom mudbrick and fieldstone mastabas on plateau proper that escaped clearance
- These remains suggest the footprint may have already been filled with minor mastabas when Khufu selected the area
Key Facts
- Wadi cemetery with two building levels existed before clearance for Khufu's Western Cemetery
- Mastaba G2000 (anonymous son of Khufu) occupies area roughly 100x45 m
- Middle layer of dump material contains decayed mud bricks with limestone chips - evidence of demolished buildings
- Risner noted small pre-Old Kingdom mudbrick and fieldstone mastabas on plateau proper that escaped clearance
- These remains suggest the footprint may have already been filled with minor mastabas when Khufu selected the area
Related site: Giza (Pyramids) — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Giza BEFORE the Pyramids: Lost History REVEALED by Ancient Architects