Pre-Khufu Wadi Cemetery discovered at Giza (Pyramids) beneath ancient dump. Wadi Cemetery located north of Western Cemetery, adjacent to Mastaba G2000 near the Great Pyramid Excavated in 1904 by George A. Risner Found beneath an ancient dump containing cleared debris from early Khufu's reign
In 1903-1904, George A. Reisner excavated tombs at the Wadi Cemetery near Giza's Great Pyramid. Buried beneath dump debris from early Khufu's reign, hundreds of photos were taken but no comprehensive maps or reports. Over 100 years later, the Giza Archive Project created the first modern sketch plan. A hidden pre-Khufu cemetery revealed!
Key Facts
- Wadi Cemetery located north of Western Cemetery, adjacent to Mastaba G2000 near the Great Pyramid
- Excavated in 1904 by George A. Risner
- Found beneath an ancient dump containing cleared debris from early Khufu's reign
- Risner and team of 150 men cleared area measuring 40 by 30 meters
- Discovered 77 ancient tombs numbered GW1-23
- 243 photographs were taken but no maps, plans or detailed reports were published
- Diane Victoria Flores of Giza (Pyramids) Archive Project reconstructed photographic history creating first sketch plan in over 100 years
- Two distinct levels of mortuary architecture discovered: older isolated single burial mastabas and later larger compound mastabas
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