Mastaba of Ptah Hotep 2 nd and Akhet Hotep

Published 2024-Apr-Thu

Mastaba of Ptah Hotep 2 nd and Akhet Hotep

The Mastaba of Ptahhotep II and Akhethotep, located in the north-west part of the Saqqara necropolis near Djoser’s step pyramid, is a significant funerary complex from the end of the 5th Dynasty. It served as the burial site for the vizier Akhethotep and his son Ptahhotep II. Discovered in 1850, the mastaba has undergone extensive reconstruction. 

 the Mastaba of Akhethotep and Ptahhotep (D64), a fascinating funerary complex located in the Saqqara necropolis near Djoser’s step pyramid. Here’s what we know:

  1. Location and Discovery:

    • The mastaba is situated in the north-west part of Saqqara, to the west of Djoser’s step pyramid.
    • It was discovered by Mariette during excavations in 1850.
    • The only detailed documentation we have is from Norman de Garis Davies in the early 20th century.
  2. Family and Ownership:

    • The mastaba served as the common burial site for two high commissioners from the end of the 5th Dynasty:
      • Vizier Akhethotep: A prominent official who held various titles, including Supreme judge and vizierPriest of Ma’at, and High priest of the beautiful pyramid of Djed-Ka-ra.
      • Ptahhotep II: The son of Akhethotep, who shares ownership of the mastaba with his father.
      • The elder Ptahhotep (Ptahhotep I) has his own tomb designated as D62, with the entrance facing east.
  3. Misleading Name:

    • Although the mastaba is commonly referred to as the “Tomb of Ptahhotep”, this is incorrect.
    • Initially, only the chapel of Ptahhotep was open to the public, leading to the misleading name.
    • The complex is hardly visible from orbital cameras due to its color blending with the surrounding desert sand.
  4. Layout and Reconstruction:

    • A modern ramp provides access to a courtyard area with entrances to two mastabas.
    • The entrance to D64 (Akhethotep and Ptahhotep’s mastaba) is located at the southern end, facing north.
    • The complex also contains several smaller mastabas that haven’t survived as well as D62 and D64.
  5. Decorated Areas:

    • Akhethotep’s portion of the mastaba is considerable and includes:
      • Entrance Corridor: Approximately 7 meters long, decorated on the east and west sides.
      • T-shaped Chapel: Covers the top 60-70% of the walls.
      • Other rooms and corridors remain practically blank.
  6. Family Relationship:

    • Akhethotep (D64) was the son of Ptahhotep (D62).
    • Ptahhotep (D64) shares the mastaba with his father and is usually referred to as Ptahhotep II.
    • Akhethotep and Ptahhotep (sons of Ptahhotep II) are mentioned in D64.

 

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