Tomb of Khentkawes located on northern edge of main wadi, southern edge of central field of mastabas. Tomb of Khentkawes located on northern edge of main wadi, southern edge of central field of mastabas Khentkawes may have been queen in her own right between 4th-5th dynasties Limestone beds composing lower part of tomb are same beds exposed in Sphinx enclosure
The Tomb of Khentkaus I at Giza belonged to a queen of the late 4th dynasty. It evolved from an isolated quarry block to a two-stepped pyramid cased in fine white limestone. But the puzzle: intricate palace facade decoration was carved on the southern bedrock side. When was it added? 🤔
Key Facts
- Tomb of Khentkawes located on northern edge of main wadi, southern edge of central field of mastabas
- Khentkawes may have been queen in her own right between 4th-5th dynasties
- Limestone beds composing lower part of tomb are same beds exposed in Sphinx enclosure
- Structure evolved from isolated quarry block to two-step pyramid with masonry step, then cased entirely in fine white Tura limestone
- Intricate palace facade decoration carved onto bedrock along southern length of structure
- Dating problem: decoration could not have been carved when block was active quarry or when structure was cased with limestone
- Decoration only visible on southern side, not on three other sides of structure
Related site: Tomb of Queen Khentkawes I — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: NEW | Giza Before the Pyramids: The Tombs of Khentkawes & Kai by Ancient Architects