The Serapeum of Saqqara: A Journey into Egypt’s Sacred Underground

Discovering the Serapeum of Saqqara: Egypt’s Underground Secret

Beneath the sandy ground of Saqqara, near the ancient city of Memphis, lies a fascinating and little-known place called the Serapeum. This underground maze was forgotten for centuries, but when it was finally uncovered, it told an incredible story about how the ancient Egyptians honoured one of their most sacred animals — the Apis bull.

Back in 1851, a French archaeologist named Auguste Mariette discovered the Serapeum. What he found was stunning: long tunnels carved deep into the rock, filled with huge stone coffins, some weighing as much as 70 tons! These weren’t for kings or queens — they were for bulls.

But not just any bulls. The Apis bull was believed to be a living god, a symbol of strength, fertility, and divine power. Each chosen Apis bull had special markings and lived a pampered life, receiving royal treatment. When one died, it was mummified and buried with great honour, and a new sacred bull would take its place.

Inside the Serapeum, the main passage stretches over 300 meters. Along the corridor, there are dozens of deep niches, each containing a massive granite or basalt sarcophagus. These burials mostly come from the time of the New Kingdom and the 26th Dynasty, showing just how long this practice continued.

What’s truly amazing is how the ancient Egyptians managed to transport and position these enormous stone coffins without cranes or machines. They carved the sarcophagi so smoothly and fit them so perfectly into place that modern engineers still wonder how it was done. No tools or clear explanations have been found, leaving experts puzzled even today.

Some people believe there may have been lost techniques or forgotten technologies involved. But most archaeologists agree that it was a mix of clever planning, hard labour, and the Egyptians’ incredible skill with stonework.

Over time, the meaning of the Serapeum changed. During the Ptolemaic era, when the Greeks ruled Egypt, the site became linked to the god Serapis, a blend of Greek and Egyptian religious beliefs. The Serapeum became not just a burial site, but a symbol of spiritual fusion.

From its humble beginnings in the 14th century BC to its final days in the 1st century BC, the Serapeum remained a dynamic religious site for nearly 1,400 years. Over time, it evolved from simple tombs to an elaborate, labyrinthine sanctuary, mirroring the shifts in theology, governance, and architecture across Egypt’s long history.

Origins in the New Kingdom (circa 1350 BC)
The Serapeum’s earliest phase dates back to the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III of the 18th Dynasty, during the height of Egypt’s New Kingdom around 1350 BC. At this time, Apis bulls were laid to rest in individual tombs, each featuring an ornate chapel above ground and a subterranean burial chamber. These early burials were not only elaborate but also packed with ritual items, underscoring the spiritual significance attributed to these revered animals.

Innovation by Prince Khaemweset (circa 1279–1213 BC)
The site underwent a transformative expansion during the reign of Ramesses II, under the direction of his son, Prince Khaemweset—a priest and early antiquarian often regarded as one of history’s first archaeologists. Khaemweset masterminded the excavation of a new tunnel system lined with burial niches, now known as the Lesser Vaults, designed to house mummified Apis bulls in a more unified, underground complex. This marked a shift toward a more centralized and enduring funerary tradition.

Enlargement Under Psamtik I (664–610 BC)
Centuries later, during Egypt’s Late Period, the Serapeum saw another significant expansion under Pharaoh Psamtik I of the 26th Dynasty. This phase introduced the Greater Vaults—a second gallery featuring immense granite sarcophagi, some weighing up to 62 tons. These monolithic coffins were astonishing feats of engineering, demonstrating not only reverence for the sacred bulls but also the technological prowess of the era.

Continued Use in the Ptolemaic Period (305–30 BC)
The Serapeum remained active deep into the Ptolemaic Dynasty, Egypt’s final native ruling period before Roman occupation. During this time, the complex was further embellished, most notably with the addition of a sphinx-lined avenue, likely commissioned by Nectanebo I. This ceremonial path enhanced the sanctity and grandeur of the necropolis, maintaining its religious relevance until the site fell into disuse around the dawn of the Roman era.

Today, visitors can walk through these underground tunnels where sacred ceremonies once took place. The silence and cool air create a mysterious feeling — a sharp contrast to the heat outside in the desert. As light glints off the polished surfaces of the ancient sarcophagi, you can feel the history all around you.

Near the Serapeum, you’ll also find other famous landmarks like the Step Pyramid of Djoser and the Tomb of Ti, making Saqqara one of Egypt’s most important archaeological sites.

Though it doesn’t attract as many tourists as the pyramids of Giza, the Serapeum is just as powerful. It shows that Egypt’s treasures aren’t only above ground — some of the greatest secrets are buried deep below, waiting to be explored.

For travellers, history buffs, and curious minds, the Serapeum of Saqqara is a hidden gem — a quiet, sacred place that tells a timeless story of faith, devotion, and incredible human achievement.

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Written by ATW May 2025