GEM 45475

Sarcophagus of Queen Meresankh III

This finely carved sarcophagus belonged to Queen Meresankh III, a prominent royal figure of Egypt’s 4th Dynasty during the Old Kingdom (circa 2620–2480 BCE). She was the daughter of Hetepheres II and the granddaughter of King Khufu, the builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza. The sarcophagus was discovered in her tomb (G7530–7540) at the eastern cemetery of Giza, a necropolis reserved for elite royals and high-ranking officials. The tomb itself was originally carved for her mother but later adapted for Meresankh III. Her granite sarcophagus features elegant palace façade decorations—motifs meant to echo the architecture of royal buildings, symbolizing her eternal dwelling in the afterlife. One inscription within the tomb reveals that Meresankh III was not buried until 272 days after her death, suggesting elaborate mummification and preparation ceremonies. The skeletal remains found in the tomb indicate she was around 50 years old at the time of her death and approximately 152 cm tall. As a royal woman closely linked to the great pyramid builders, Meresankh III’s burial reflects the wealth, care, and religious significance given to queens of the early dynasties. Her tomb also provides one of the earliest known examples of painted limestone reliefs in an elite woman’s mastaba, revealing both her status and her deep connection to the royal house of Khufu.This finely carved sarcophagus belonged to Queen Meresankh III, a prominent royal figure of Egypt’s 4th Dynasty during the Old Kingdom (circa 2620–2480 BCE). She was the daughter of Hetepheres II and the granddaughter of King Khufu, the builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza. The sarcophagus was discovered in her tomb (G7530–7540) at the eastern cemetery of Giza, a necropolis reserved for elite royals and high-ranking officials. The tomb itself was originally carved for her mother but later adapted for Meresankh III. Her granite sarcophagus feat ... Discover more with Premium!

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