Settlements > Giza East Field

Giza East Field

Background

The East Field at Giza is another significant area on the Giza Plateau, situated to the east of the Great Pyramid of Khufu. This area, like the West Field, is notable for its extensive cemetery, containing numerous mastabas and tombs of high-ranking officials, nobles, and members of the royal family from the Old Kingdom. Here’s an overview of the key features and significance of the East Field at Giza:

Key Features of the East Field

1. Royal Family Tombs:

• Proximity to the Pyramid of Khufu: The East Field's location close to the Great Pyramid indicates the importance of the individuals buried there, many of whom were relatives of Pharaoh Khufu.
• Queen’s Pyramids: Three smaller pyramids, known as the Queen’s Pyramids, are located to the east of the Great Pyramid. These are believed to belong to Khufu’s wives and possibly daughters.

2. Mastabas:

• Structure: Like those in the West Field, the mastabas in the East Field are rectangular tombs with flat roofs and sloping sides. They typically consist of an underground burial chamber and a superstructure with a chapel for offerings.
• Notable Mastabas:
  • Mastaba G 7510 (Tomb of Ankh-haf): Ankh-haf was a high-ranking official and half-brother to Khufu. His mastaba is one of the largest and most elaborately decorated in the East Field.
  • Mastaba G 7050 (Tomb of Meresankh III): Meresankh III was a granddaughter of Khufu. Her tomb contains beautifully preserved reliefs and a statue of her.

3. Tomb Layouts and Decorations:

• Chapel Rooms: The chapels within the mastabas often feature elaborate reliefs and paintings depicting scenes of daily life, religious rituals, and offerings to the deceased.
• Serdab: A hidden chamber containing statues of the deceased, allowing their spirit (ka) to interact with the living through small openings.
• False Doors: Symbolic gateways carved into the walls of the chapels, enabling the deceased to receive offerings from the living.

Archaeological Significance

1. Insight into Royal Family and Officials:

• Social Structure: The tombs in the East Field provide valuable information about the royal family and high-ranking officials of the Old Kingdom, reflecting their status and roles within the society.
• Art and Culture: The reliefs and inscriptions in the mastabas offer insights into the art, religious beliefs, and daily life of ancient Egypt.

2. Construction Techniques:

• Masonry: The mastabas demonstrate advanced masonry techniques used by the ancient Egyptians, including the use of large limestone blocks and intricate carvings.
• Preservation: Many of the tombs in the East Field are well-preserved, allowing archaeologists to study construction methods and burial practices in detail.

Excavations and Discoveries

1. Early Explorations:

• 19th Century: Initial explorations by European archaeologists, including Karl Richard Lepsius, brought the East Field to scholarly attention.
• 20th Century: Extensive excavations by George Reisner and the Harvard University–Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition uncovered many significant tombs and artifacts.

2. Recent Work:

• Modern Archaeology: Ongoing excavations and conservation work continue to reveal new findings, utilizing advanced technologies such as ground-penetrating radar and 3D modeling.

Significance in Egyptian Burial Practices

1. Connection to the Pharaoh:

• Proximity: The closeness of the mastabas to the Great Pyramid underscores the importance of the individuals buried there, reflecting their proximity to the king in life and death.
• Religious Beliefs: The layout and orientation of the tombs reflect ancient Egyptian beliefs in the afterlife, ensuring that the deceased could participate in the eternal cycle of rebirth.

2. Funerary Goods:

• Grave Goods: Many tombs contained valuable items such as jewelry, pottery, and furniture, which provide insights into the material culture and craftsmanship of the time.

Conclusion

The East Field at Giza is a crucial archaeological site that offers a wealth of information about the social, cultural, and technological aspects of Old Kingdom Egypt. Its tombs and mastabas reflect the sophistication of ancient Egyptian burial practices and provide a glimpse into the lives of the elite who served the pharaohs. The ongoing study of this area continues to enhance our understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization and its monumental achievements.