Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (19.2007(2010))

SAQQARA

EGYPT

87, 92 and 93). Two, nos 97 and 98, found
below the mud-brick platform extending
next to the enclosure wall of the step
pyramid at the level of the bottom edge of
the wall (square 2102), could be explored
only alter another fragment of the platform,
measuring 1.00 m (E-W) by 8.00 m (N-S)
was removed with approval from the
Supreme Council of Antiquities (for
previous removal work on the platform, cf.
Mysliwiec 2009: 161-164) [Fig. 6].
The present exploration of the platform
yielded further sherds of New Kingdom
pottery lying between and directly below
the bricks, which confirms the terminus post
quem (beginning of the Nineteenth
Dynasty) of this mysterious structure
(Mysliwiec 2006: 14-16). Also removed
was a layer of pure sand (containing,
however, some fragmentary limestone
blocks, doubtless from the enclosure wall of
the pyramid) found below the platform,
above the layer of dakka.


Fig. 7. Shaft 73, vertical N-S section
(Drawing B. Blaszczuk)


Fig. 8. Burial B.540 (late Old Kingdom) in reed cojftn inside the burial chamber of Shaft 81
(Photo J. Dqbrowski)

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Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean 19, Reports 2007