Mastaba S3503 (Saqqara Tomb No. 3503) is a largemastaba tomb at theSaqqara necropolis inLower Egypt. The burial was constructed around 3000 BC during theFirst Dynasty of Ancient Egypt.
The structure was excavated byWalter Bryan Emery and his team atSaqqara. The superstructure of the mastaba is 42 metres long and 16 metres wide and was made from sun-driedmudbricks. The exterior was decorated with a palacefacade, with nineniches on the long sides and three on each of the short sides. Within the structure were 23 chambers. Below the ground level was a large burial chamber in the middle of the building with four side chambers. There are 20 subsidiary tombs arranged around the structure.
The tomb was probably robbed in ancient times. The burial chamber was also robbed, but still contained many items in their original locations when it was excavated, which allowed a relatively good idea of the original contents.
In the centre of the tomb chamber was a largesarcophagus, of which only a few wooden planks were found. It measured about 2.7 x 1.8 metres. The remains of a skeleton were also found, but it could not be determined whether they belonged to a man or a woman. On the east side of the sarcophagus were bowls and vessels, which formed a meal for the deceased. On the walls of the burial chamber were many stone and pottery vessels, but also the remains of a chest. North of the sarcophagus were poles which were probably intended for a canopy or a tent.
The sole occupant's identity is unknown. Emery suggested it was QueenMeritneith, since her name appeared on some objects andcylinder sealings with her name and that of KingDjer were found in the tomb.[1] This suggestion has since been abandoned, since Meritneith's tomb has been found atAbydos. The occupant of S3503 therefore remains anonymous. Others have suggested an individual named Seshemka.[2]
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29°52′51″N31°13′16″E / 29.8807°N 31.2212°E /29.8807; 31.2212