Mastaba of Al Faraun

Cairo Outskirts & the Nile Delta


Also called the Pharaoh's Bench, this unusual funerary complex is the most remote site in South Saqqara. It belongs to the last 4th-dynasty pharaoh, the short-lived Shepseskaf (2503–2498 BC). Occupying an enclosure once covering 700 sq metres, Shepseskaf’s rectangular tomb was built of limestone blocks, and originally covered by a further layer of fine, white limestone and a lower layer of red granite. Inside the tomb, a 21m-long corridor slopes down to storage rooms and a vaulted burial chamber.

Shepseskaf was the son of Menkaure (builder of Giza’s third great pyramid), though he failed to emulate the glory of his father.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cairo Outskirts & the Nile Delta attractions

1. South Saqqara

0.07 MILES

South Saqqara is home to several Old Kingdom tombs, pyramids and mounds of rubble, interesting to the more dedicated pyramid fans.

2. Pyramid of Pepi II

0.14 MILES

This pyramid was built by Pepi II (2278–2184 BC) whose 94-year reign at the end of the 6th dynasty was probably the longest in Egyptian history. Despite…

3. Pyramid of Merenre

0.81 MILES

Like the nearby Pyramid of Pepi I, this pyramid is basically a slumping, collapsing pile of rock. Excavations of the pyramid's burial chamber revealed a…

4. Pyramid of Djedkare

0.9 MILES

Known as the ‘Pyramid of the Sentinel’, the 25m-high Djedkare pyramid contains the remains of the last ruler of the 5th dynasty, and can be entered from…

5. Pyramid of Pepi I

1.1 MILES

This pyramid is little more than a slowly collapsing pile of rock, though it is significant as ‘Memphis’ appears in one of its names. Originally, a large…

6. Imhotep Museum

1.31 MILES

In the complex at the entrance to the Saqqara site is this beautiful collection of some of the best finds from Saqqara, and one of the finest small…

7. Pyramid of Sekhemkhet

1.87 MILES

Closed to the public because of its dangerous condition, the unfinished pyramid of Zoser’s successor Sekhemkhet (2648–2640 BC) is a short distance west of…

8. Tomb of Horemheb

1.88 MILES

Originally designated as the final resting place of General Horemheb, this tomb became irrelevant in 1323 BC when its intended occupant seized power from…

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