King Sahure

Discovery of Khun Kan's Tomb in Saqqara

An Egyptian archaeological mission working in the Saqqara region of Giza has found the tomb of a person named Khun Kan, who served as a “nobleman” to King Jed Ka-Ra in the late Fifth Dynasty of ancient Egypt.

Egypt Travel Packages often include visits to the Saqqara region, where this discovery took place.

The tomb is “unique” and consists of an upper building consisting of a sacrificial compartment and a lower one connected to an atrium leading to two chambers. As for the sacrificial compartment, the mission found only the remains of its lower walls, which were constructed of white limestone, indicating that the stones of the compartment were removed during ancient Egyptian times and reused elsewhere. In the northern wall of the tomb, the mission found the entrance to the lower building, the design of which mimics the pyramids of the Fifth Dynasty, “a design that is being revealed for the first time in the tombs of individuals rather than kings of that period,” he said.

This part of the tomb begins with a descending corridor that leads to a small hall and then to a front chamber with inscriptions that include scenes depicting the owner of the tomb sitting in front of a sacrificial table. The mission also found a second, uninscribed chamber that was used as a burial chamber with the remains of a white limestone sarcophagus that was completely shattered. However, the mission was able to uncover the human remains of the owner of the tomb among the stones on which the remains of oils and resin used by the ancient Egyptians for mummification were found.

Egypt Shore Excursions often include visits to significant archaeological sites like Saqqara, where visitors can learn more about the ancient Egyptian burial practices.

The Fifth Dynasty ruled ancient Egypt from approximately 2465 to 2323 BC. The mission also succeeded during its last excavation season in revealing the name of the king's wife for the first time, who was called Queen Set Ib Hor, engraved on a granite pillar on the southern side of her temple. He added that the queen's temple was previously uncovered in the 1950s, but archaeologists had no information about her name or titles. The queen's pyramid group, located northeast of her husband's pyramid, is considered one of the largest pyramid groups built for a queen during the Old Kingdom and one of the first pyramids built in southern Saqqara during the end of the Fifth Dynasty.

You can explore this rich history with Egypt Day Tours that focus on ancient Egyptian discoveries, including those at Saqqara.

King Sahure, also known as Sahura, was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who ruled during the Fifth Dynasty of Egypt, approximately from 2487 to 2475 BC. He is historically important for several reasons:

Pyramid Complex: King Sahure is known for his pyramid complex, located at Abusir, which is often referred to as the "Pyramid of Sahure." This pyramid complex is renowned for its architectural and artistic innovations. The complex included the pyramid itself, a mortuary temple, a causeway, and a valley temple, following the standard design of Old Kingdom pyramid complexes.

Innovative Pyramid Design: The Pyramid of Sahure featured significant architectural innovations, including a raised causeway that allowed for the construction of a large underground gallery beneath it. This gallery was used for the burial of the king's relatives, a unique feature of pyramid construction.

Artistic Achievements: Sahure's reign is noted for its artistic achievements, particularly the exquisite reliefs and inscriptions found in his pyramid complex. These reliefs depicted scenes of daily life, religious rituals, and offerings to deities. They provide valuable insights into the art and culture of the Fifth Dynasty.

Sun Temples: King Sahure continued the tradition of building sun temples that was initiated by his predecessor, Userkaf. The sun temples, dedicated to the sun god Ra, served both religious and administrative functions.

Economic Prosperity: Sahure's reign is associated with a period of economic prosperity and political stability. This allowed for the sponsorship of monumental construction projects, including his pyramid complex.

Trade and Foreign Relations: King Sahure is believed to have maintained trade relations with neighboring regions, including the Sinai Peninsula and Nubia. This contributed to Egypt's access to valuable resources and materials.

Historical Records: Hieroglyphic inscriptions from Sahure's reign provide historical records of his achievements and activities. These inscriptions offer valuable information about the administration, religious practices, and cultural life of the Fifth Dynasty.

Continuity of Dynasty: Sahure was the second Pharaoh of the Fifth Dynasty, following his father Userkaf. His rule represents the continuity and stability of the dynasty, which was characterized by a strong centralization of power.

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