The Mastaba of Mereruka at Sakkara 2025
If you’re looking to get a glimpse into the past Egyptian life and culture, then the mastaba of mereruka tomb is an amazing starting point.
It is located just to the south of the Saqqara Step Pyramid, one of the famous Saqqara tombs.
This remarkable tomb is among the biggest and most elaborate tombs that have been built for non-royals.
It’s covered in colorful scenes that depict everyday activities, including farming and fishing, concerts, and family gatherings — showcasing daily life in ancient Egypt.
What is the mastaba of mereruka in Saqqara?
A mastaba of mereruka saqqara, located in Saqqara, is a huge complex, elaborate tomb constructed for Mereruka, a vizier to the king Teti in Teti’s Old Kingdom period.
It is notable because of its size, with 33 chambers, as well as the large walls with well-preserved reliefs that depict scenes from everyday living, hunting, and the funerary rites.
The mastaba also houses burial sites of Mereruka’s wife Wa’tetkhethor and the son of Mereruka, Meriteti.
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Where is the Mastaba of Mereruka Located?
The Mastaba of Mereruka can be found in Saqqara, Egypt, just north of the Teti Pyramid, and is known for its elaborate tomb decorations Saqqara depicting daily life during Old Kingdom Egypt.
It’s considered the largest mastaba here and is home to one of Egypt’s oldest pyramids – the Pyramid of Teti.
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Architecture and Layout of the Tomb
Mastaba architecture:
Structure
- A mastaba is a rectangular structure with sloped sides and an unwaxed flat roof, characteristic of ancient Egyptian tombs.
Materials
- The mastaba was initially constructed using mud brick and later reinforced with stone.
Interior
- The interior is divided into multiple chambers, such as chapels and corridors, each decorated with painted relief sculptures.
Layout
Three Tombs Under One Roof
- This mastaba is home to three separate tombs: Mereruka’s tomb is shared by his wife Waatetkhethor and son Meriteti.
Mereruka’s Section
- This section features numerous chambers depicting daily life scenes, including hunting, fishing, crafting, and agricultural activities.
Wife’s Section
- Waatetkhethor’s section boasts its own chapel and burial chamber, decorated with scenes depicting her receiving offerings and engaging in leisurely pursuits.
Son’s Section
- Meriteti’s son’s section features chambers depicting scenes from her life as well as funerary rituals that were performed for her.
False Door
- A crucial architectural feature in mastaba, the false door, allows the deceased’s souls to transition between worlds after death and those still living.
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Tomb of Mereruka history
- The tomb of mereruka can be found within the Saqqara Necropolis near the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
- Construction began during Egypt’s 6th Dynasty when Pharaoh Teti reigned around 2345-2333 BCE — a classic example of Old Kingdom tombs Egypt.
- Mereruka was an extremely influential person, serving as both the vizier and priest-in-chief for royal projects and overseeing royal rituals.
- His tomb is one of Egypt’s grandest and most lavishly decorated private mastabas.
- Mereruka and his family of Seshseshet Waatetkhethor, a royal princess, as well as Meryteti, reside within the house, which includes 33 rooms.
- Walls were decorated with intricate carvings depicting daily life, religious ceremonies, work activities, and family activities.
- Decorations like these provide us with a vivid picture of life during the Old Kingdom and what their beliefs were.
- The tomb was first discovered and explored during the late 1800s or early 1900s.
Best time to visit the Mastaba of mereruka
November to February
- Presents enjoyable temperatures that make exploring the site ideal.
Early Mornings
- To avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience during peak seasons, visiting early in the morning is highly recommended.
Think ahead for other times
- Although cooler months are ideal, it is still wise to bring water and wear comfortable shoes, no matter when traveling; you will be doing lots of walking and exploring.
FAQs About mastaba of mereruka
What is the largest mastaba in Egypt?
The biggest mastaba found in Egypt is the mereruka tomb in Saqqara.
It is famous for its large size and lavish decor, which includes 33 bedrooms, including one for the wife and son of Mereruka.
Who is the wife of Mereruka?
The wife of Mereruka is Seshseshet Waatetkhethor, who was an Egyptian princess and wife of Pharaoh Teti.
Her status and wealth are displayed within the burial chamber, which has her own chamber decorated within the Mastaba.
Are visitors allowed inside the tomb of Mereruka?
Visitors are typically permitted inside the burial site of Mereruka in Saqqara.
It is among the most elaborate tombs that are not royal and is generally accessible to the public.
However, you will need a separate ticket, or the “all-inclusive” ticket may be required to visit this specific tomb, as was the case the year before.
Photography is not usually permitted within the tomb.
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