Africa-Press. A joint Egyptian-Spanish archaeological mission has uncovered a tomb dating back to the late Fifth Dynasty, specifically to the reign of King “Jedkar Isesi,” during the 2026 excavation season in the “Mariot Cemetery” located north of Saqqara. This discovery adds new information about the nature of tombs and administrative and artistic functions in ancient Egypt during that period.
The tomb consists of a medium-sized mastaba that includes two burial chambers opening onto the eastern wall of the structure. The northern main chamber belongs to a person named “Yunmin,” who held several administrative and judicial positions, including that of judge and court director, in addition to his role as head of the scribes responsible for examining petitions and complaints. The southern chamber belongs to his father “Eiti,” who held clerical duties related to the management of agricultural lands and offerings.
Excavation work within “Yunmin’s” chamber revealed an architectural facade bearing funerary texts and a formula for offering sacrifices, along with a depiction of the tomb owner in a formal pose. The walls also featured prominent scenes depicting agricultural activities and processions transporting offerings to the tomb, with several of these scenes retaining a significant portion of their original colors, providing material for studying the painting and decoration techniques used in tombs of that period.
“Eiti’s” chamber also contains a false door and colorful wall decorations depicting scenes related to offering sacrifices, despite the loss of parts of the decorations over time. According to the archaeological authorities, the two chambers provide an opportunity to study the relationship between administrative functions and the social status of the tomb owners, as well as the evolution of tomb design for high-ranking state officials during the late Fifth Dynasty.
The mission operates as part of a scientific project between the Autonomous University of Barcelona in Spain and the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt, continuing research and excavation work in the area north of Saqqara. The “Mariot Cemetery” gains its significance from its association with the work of French archaeologist Auguste Mariette during the 19th century, as the site has been known since that time, although parts of it had not previously undergone comprehensive excavation and documentation according to modern scientific methods.
The mission reported that it has completed excavation and scientific documentation work for the two chambers, in addition to conducting conservation and restoration work on the architectural and decorative elements that were uncovered. These measures aim to stabilize the condition of the discovered elements and preserve the remaining inscriptions and colors, allowing for continued study and documentation within the archaeological record of the area.
This discovery is part of ongoing excavation efforts in Saqqara, one of the most prominent archaeological areas in Egypt, which includes tombs and funerary structures dating back to various periods of ancient Egyptian history. New discoveries help expand knowledge of the architectural and artistic development of tombs, as well as the nature of the administrative apparatus of the ancient state and the roles of officials involved in managing justice, land, resources, and funerary rituals.
