Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (11.1999(2000))

WEST SAQQARA

EGYPT

SITE PERIODIZATION

At least five phases of site occupation —
some divided into subphases — have been
identified.
I. TERRACES OF THE THIRD
DYNASTY
This phase could be connected with quar-
rying activity, construction of the Dry
Moat and arranging the area around the
enclosure of Netjerykhet. The area west of
the temenos was leveled forming terraces
cut in bedrock,4) with an average difference
of levels (step height) equal to about 1.6-
1.8 m. The width of the terraces varied
from several to over twenty meters. The

run of the rock surface may be reconstruct-
ed on the grounds of excavations in the
area of Meref-nebefs chapel and to the
west of it, where the bedrock has been
exposed, and the exploration in Areas I/G
and I/H, where the level of bedrock is
clearly observed in the shafts. The eleva-
tion of the terraces (starting from the west)
is c. 46.9; 48.5; 50.3-50.5; 52.5-53.00 m
above sea level; 5) their upper surfaces are
slightly inclined towards the west. The fis-
sures in the rock visible in the I/Fl trench,
about twenty meters west from the fagade
of Meref-nebefs chapel, and the resulting
NE-SW slant of the step probably


Fig. 1. Area I/Fl. South trench wall. Visible ghost wall in front of a step cut in bedrock
(Photo A. Cwiek)

^ The presence of the terraces was noted already by Szafranski in PAM X, Reports 1998 op. cit., 91-
^ The fourth terrace from the west seems to be higher than the others, unless there are two smaller steps, as the bedrock
level in Shaft 32 was recorded at 50.1 m above sea level.

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