Tombs of Mereruka & Ankhmahor

Near the Pyramid of Teti is the tomb of his highest official, Mereruka, vizier and overseer of priests. It's the largest Old Kingdom courtier's tomb, with 32 chambers covering an area of 1000 sq metres. The 17 chambers on the eastern side belong to Mereruka, and include a magnificent six-columned offering hall featuring a life-size statue of Mereruka appearing to walk right out of the wall to receive the offerings brought to him.

Other rooms are reserved for Mereruka's wife, Princess Seshseshat (Teti's daughter), and their eldest son, Meriteti (whose name means 'Beloved of Teti'). Much of the tomb's decoration is similar to that of the Mastaba of Ti, with an even greater number of animals portrayed - look out for the wide-mouthed, sharp-tusked hippos as you enter - along with a charming scene of domestic bliss as husband and wife are seated joyfully on a bed as Seshseshat plays them music on her harp. Further east, the tomb of the 6th-dynasty vizier and palace overseer, Ankhmahor, contains more interesting scenes of daily life. Most unusual here are images of surgical procedures, earning the tomb its alternative title, the Doctor's Tomb. As two boys are circumcised the hieroglyphic caption says, 'Hold him firmly so he does not fall'!