Saqqara: Through the Sands of Time - The Serapeum and animal catacombs

The site was important for the burial of sacred animals from the Apis bull in the New Kingdom, to gifts to gods in later periods.
About this Event

As the principal necropolis of Memphis, Saqqara was an important burial site from the 1st Dynasty until the Greco-Roman period. The site spans 6km in length and over 3000 years of use. This course seeks to discuss the development of the sacred landscape over time. This includes early mastaba tombs and underground galleries, the step pyramid complex of Djoser, the 5th and 6th Dynasty pyramids and the tombs of their courtiers. The New Kingdom sees further expansion with tomb/temples in addition to mastaba tombs. Also, from the reign of Amenhotep III, there is the creation of the Serapeum, for the burial of the Apis bulls. In the later period vast animal catacombs were created for dogs, cats and ibises. While the later period tombs are often archaizing in decoration. The evolution of style and design will be reviewed on our journey through time, as will the changing religious beliefs, as illustrated by the archaeological features. While many new discoveries have been recorded at the site in recent years, only those published will be considered.

This ticket is for one lecture.

Week - 6 Friday 14th Feb 10.30am – Repeated live Tuesday 18th Feb 7pm BST

Serapeum and Animal Catacombs

Articles and links will be sent out after the lecture as appropriate.

You will receive the zoom links for both the Friday and Tuesday lectures. You are welcome to join both live lectures.