Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (19.2007(2010))

SAQQARA

EGYPT

excavated area (squares 1804, 1805 and
1907) [Figs 3> 4-5]. A lithostratigraphic
profile of these analyses was prepared. The
relations between natural and anthropogenic
layers were determined taking into account
their chronology.
Moreover, a preliminary analysis was
carried out of the rock layers in the cleared
burial shafts in order to trace the dependence
between geological bedrock structure and
the techniques used to cut such shafts. The
fill inside the shafts was also examined in
detail, providing additional data necessary
for a reconstruction of climatic conditions in
the area of the necropolis in historical
periods.
The results justify further compre-hensive
geoarchaeological and geomorphological
DESCRIPTION OF
Geoarchaeological research carried out in
2007 on layers uncovered in squares 2001,
2002, 2101, 2102, 1804, 1805, 1907
[cf Figs 1-5] was aimed at reconstructing
natural morphodynamic processes, ancient
climate and processes of anthropogenic
transfor-mation of the area in question
during the early and late phases, I and II
respectively, of the functioning of the so-
called Lower Necropolis (for the stratigraphy
and preliminary assessment of the
chronology of the Lower Necropolis, see
Szafrahski 1999; Cwiek2000; Kuraszkiewicz
2007; for earlier geoarchaeological research,
see Mycielska-Dowgiallo, Woronko 1998;
1999; Mycielska-Dowgiallo, Szafrahski,
Woronko 1999).
PHASE I (c. 2700-2600 BC)
In squares 2001 and 2002 [Fig. 1], the area
investigated extended from the stone
foundation of the Step Pyramid enclosure
wall (of Third Dynasty date) in the east to

research in the area excavated by the Polish
mission in West Saqqara. New data will
answer many questions from the
borderland of geology and archaeology in
the region, including:
— the origins and age of geological
deposits and landforms,
— reconstruction of geomorpholo-
gical processes shaping the area of
the necropolis,
— lithostratigraphic profile of natural
and anthropogenic layers from the
excavated area.
The results of this research will lead to
a paleoclimatic and paleogeographic
reconstruction of the natural environment
in the context of human activities in the
area of the necropolis.
THE EXPOSURES
Shafts 63 and 101 (from the Late Old
Kingdom) in the west. A sequence of natural
strata was revealed, as well as strata of
anthropogenic nature (see exposures nos 5, 6,
6a, 7, Figs 1, 2). A thin mud floor (silt, clay
and colloid fractions) lay directly on
bedrock, which is a local type of Eocene
limestone designated as the Saqqara Member
of the Maadi Formation (cf. Said 1962: 99,
322). This floor (FI) was uncovered to the
east of Shafts 63 and 101 (cf. Welc 2009)
[Fig 6]. The limestone is heavily eroded and
weathered on the surface. Above this is
a layer of light gray-red sand and very fine
gravel (LI). Superimposed is another mud
floor (F2), which was whitewashed. Layer
L2, found on top of it, is formed of sand and
limestone, the latter both fine and medium
angular gravel and very fine rounded gravel.
This layer is covered with sand of red color
rich in iron (Fe3+) and quartz gravel with
cobbles from 1 to 15 cm in diameter; the
layer is strongly cemented with calcium

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Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean 19, Reports 2007