Human remains from Saqqara West, Egypt, 2023–2025

A comprehensive analysis of human remains from Saqqara West, Egypt, reveals distinct funerary practices and social hierarchies spanning the Old Kingdom to the Graeco-Roman Period. The study identified 768 inhumations, with 75% dating to the later period, characterized by uncoffined burials in shallow pits. Exceptional preservation of remains, except where affected by resin mummification, provides unique insights into ancient burial traditions and social stratification. The research employs a comparative approach, contrasting the elaborate mastaba tombs of the Old Kingdom elite with simpler Graeco-Roman burials, highlighting the evolution of funerary customs in the Memphite necropolis over two millennia.

Kozieradzka-Ogunmakin, I., & Maaranen, N. (2025). Human remains from Saqqara West, Egypt, 2023–2025. Bioarchaeology of the near East, 19, 48–57. https://doi.org/10.47888/bne-1905