Saqqarah is a proper noun that refers to an archeological site in Egypt. It is spelled as /səˈkɑːrə/ in the IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable 'sa' is pronounced as /sə/ while the second syllable 'qqa' is pronounced as /kɑː/. The last syllable 'rah' is pronounced as /rə/. The double 'q' in 'Saqqarah' is used to denote the pronunciation of the 'k' sound. Properly spelling this word is important for anyone referring to the ancient Egyptian site.
Saqqarah, also spelled Saqqara or Sakkara, is an archaeological site located in Egypt, near the modern-day city of Cairo. It is one of the most important and extensive ancient burial grounds in the country, consisting of numerous structures and tombs from different periods of Egyptian history.
The term "Saqqarah" is primarily used to refer to the vast necropolis that stretches across several kilometers, encompassing ancient burial sites that date back to the early dynastic period of ancient Egypt (around 3100 BCE) until the Roman era. The site includes Pyramid of Djoser, also known as the Step Pyramid, which is regarded as one of the earliest colossal stone structures in Egypt.
Saqqarah is particularly renowned for its funerary complex and step pyramid but is also home to significant mastaba tombs belonging to nobles, including pharaohs, high officials, and members of the elite. These tombs showcase exquisite decorated walls, offering insights into various aspects of ancient Egyptian civilization, such as religious beliefs, art, and daily life.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saqqarah attracts researchers, archaeologists, and tourists from around the world. The preservation and study of Saqqarah have played a crucial role in unraveling the mysteries of ancient Egyptian culture and funerary practices. It stands as a testament to the ingenuity and architectural achievements of ancient Egyptians and continues to be a site of great historical and cultural importance.
The word "Saqqarah" derives from the Arabic name سقارة (Saqqārah), which in turn originates from the Ancient Egyptian name "Wsỉr ḥwt-kȝ-ptḥ" (Wesir Het-Ka-Ptah), meaning "the home of the ka of Ptah". Saqqarah is the name of a vast ancient Egyptian burial ground located near Cairo, which contains numerous pyramids, tombs, and other archaeological structures.