Saqqara, Ancient necropolis in Giza, Egypt
Saqqara is an archaeological site and necropolis in Markaz al Badrashayn in Egypt, where stone tombs and pyramid structures from several centuries form a sprawling burial ground. The site lies west of the Nile and extends across several kilometers of flat desert land, with the ruins partly rising from the sand and partly hidden beneath the surface.
The construction of the necropolis began during the early dynasties and continued over centuries, with each generation of rulers adding new tombs and monuments. The site remained active throughout the pharaonic period and later served as a quarry for subsequent building projects in the region.
The Serapeum complex still displays the massive construction of its underground chambers, where heavy granite sarcophagi remain in their original positions. Visitors enter narrow corridors whose walls still carry traces of ancient stonework and make the religious importance of bull worship tangible.
The visit requires sturdy shoes and head cover, as the terrain is uneven and offers little shade. Those wishing to explore the underground areas should bring a flashlight, because lighting in many corridors is weak or absent.
Excavations in the animal catacombs brought to light not only dogs but also mummified cats, ibises, and falcons, each dedicated to specific deities. The sheer number of these finds indicates that the offering of mummified animals was an everyday religious practice that persisted over centuries.
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