Waseda University Excavations at North Saqqara

WASEDA UNIVERSITY EXCAVATIONS AT NORTH SAQQARA: A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE FIRST THREE SEASONS, DECEMBER 1991-SEPTEMBER 1993(1) Izumi H. TAKAMIYA*and Sakuji YOSHIMURA** I. Research Program The Egyptian excavations Culture at North Center, Saqqara Waseda since December from the Ministry of Culture important in the Abusir-Saqqara features to the north-west University, in Japan. of the Serapeum has 1991, with financial carried assistance The aim has been to investigate area, in particular (Fig. 1). out several a site located 1km For the present, the expedition's principal concern is a stone structure erected at that site for Prince Khaemwaset, fourth son of Ramesses II of Dynasty XIX. Studies on the limestone bedrock at this point and the area's Palaeolithic remains are also in progress. This article briefly summarises the results of Waseda's first three seasons at North Saggara(2). II. Site and Excavation The site of the excavations limestone located north-west Because 1970s, research of the Serapeum the site had Department School escaped Vol. XXXII 1997 serious at Saqqara, south of the pyramids attention of 1km at Abusir (Fig. 1). by the Egyptian scholarly outcrop about and army during the no systematic in the area previously. of Archaeology, of Human necropolis and its occupation had been undertaken Professor, is the summit of a small hill-like the ancient and 1.5km of its remoteness, * Lecturer, ** deep within Sciences, Waseda University Waseda University 69 Fig. 1 Map of the Abusir-Saqqara During the general survey carried limestone blocks was observed. out in 1991, an unnatural Although which these blocks came was invisible area distribution the plan of the ancient structure of from from the surface, and even from the air, (except for faint traces of mud-bricks), it was nevertheless obvious that the monument in question was of some importance. Because of the scarcity of diagnostic surface the first season, elucidate finds, its date could only be guessed from December this point and to establish 1991 to January of 1992, were undertaken to nature of the remains. two further seasons of work on the monument 70 at. The excavations By the end of 1993, had been carried out (Fig. 2). ORIENT WASEDA UNIVERSITY Fig. III. Structural 2 Map of the site with excavation EXCAVATIONS areas AT NORTH SAQQARA marked Remains The excavations carried out between 1991 and 1993 brought to light part of a large and complex limestone building, probably belonging to Prince Khaemwaset. The majority of the blocks of this structure had been systematically removed by stone robbers. The general plan has nevertheless been reconstructed on the basis of floors, foundation trenches, foundation blocks and sand fillings brought to light as a result of excavation (Fig. 3). 1) Major Elements of the Stone Structure The central part of this stone structure consists of three elements; the portico, the rectangular room, and the cult room, arranged along an east-west central axis. This axis, deviating a little to the north, is closely similar to that of other New Kingdom buildings at Saqqara, such as the tombs of Horemheb, of Maya and Meryt, and of Tia and Tia(3). Vol. XXXII 1997 71 Fig. The portico, measuring structure facing 3 Plan of the 6m wide and presumably with central axis is assumed combined and covered with floor blocks, the portico. (Fig. 3). element 25m were preserved The floor surface columns, 7). These columns are unique in that the shape is reminiscent the method construction of construction drum-, or semi-drum-shaped as favoured The rectangular more than a passage, Bases about 80cm from scattered examples(4), employing was smoothed of columns, in two rows in the southern in height, has been reconstructed while of this structure, long if a symmetrical with a thin coat of fine plaster. The shape of these lotiform nearly 450cm structure east, is the most prominent approximately by polishing, limestone part of in diameter fragments and (Fig. 4: of Old Kingdom is that of the New Kingdom, blocks rather than being of monolithic earlier(5). room, lying on the west of the portico, 2m wide and 5m demolished, with the exception determined from incised lines long. the foundation of little Most of this room had been of the wall foundations. on consists Its exact plan could be blocks marking the wall positions. 72 ORIENT WASEDA UNIVERSITY EXCAVATIONS AT NORTH SAQQARA The westernmost chamber, designated by us the cult room, is the smallest of the entire structure, measuring only 2m square. The foundation and floor of this room are continuations from those of the rectangular room, from which it is divided off by a doorway. Two blocks of a granite false-door, on one of which a figure of Khaemwaset and his name were carved, were found lying on the ground in this room. This false-door is believed to have been set at the west end of this room, forming the focus of this building. Besides these dominant elements, various other features, including trenches and alignments of limestone blocks, have been detected around the central part, indicating a further extension of this monument perhaps beyond the immediate excavation area. Although some of the alignments might represent wall foundations of a finished building, others may have been left unused; several were covered by reddish sand fillings. This suggests the possibility of one or more changes in the building plan as the work progressed. Finally, to the west of the stone monument, the remains of a mud-brick structure (?) were observed. The nature of this feature remains to be resolved by future excavation. 2) Structure of the Walls The surviving wall foundations seem to indicate that only the surfaces of the walls were constructed with limestone blocks. It is highly likely that the spaces between were filled with layers consisting of reddish sand and gravel, with an insignificant inclusion of limestone chips and rubble. The strata of reddish sand and gravel at the west of the portico (Fig. 3) may be regarded as the residues of such fillings. Wall structures of this kind are quite common in New Kingdom (especially Dynasty XIX) buildings, examples including the west gate of Ptah temenos, the Hathor shrine at Memphis, and the tomb of Tia and Tia(6). 3) Reused Blocks It seems that the majority of limestone blocks were reused from older monuments. A number of blocks have a weathered face with an inclination of less than ninety degrees. These might represent the casing blocks of mastabas, of pyramid-complex enclosure walls, or of pyramids themselves. It is worth noting that these blocks are in general of exceptionally fine quality, and were Vol. XXXII 1997 73 probably quarried at Tura. Other blocks bear relief decoration, apparently in Old Kingdom style, or inscriptions displaying older palaeography. Hieratic dockets of late New Kingdom date (discussed further below) occur frequently on these weathered blocks. In view of the large number of such reused blocks, it is highly probable that the exploitation of earlier monuments, dating mainly from the Old Kingdom, was intentional and systematic to provide construction materials for the monument under discussion. Reused blocks from archaic monuments have been reported for a number of New Kingdom structures in the Memphite area(7). 4) Reconstruction in Later Period It may be demonstrated that the stone structure was reconstructed at a later date, at least in part. The north and east walls of the cult room had at one stage been reconstructed using smaller, irregularly shaped blocks. Since Greek inscriptions were written on the north door-jamb of the cult room when it was in the original position, the destruction and reconstruction of this part of the building is to be dated after the Greek period, i.e. during the Roman period, as might otherwise be inferred from a dense distribution at the site of artifacts from this era. IV. Finds During the 1991-1993 seasons, the number of finds amounted to more than 2,500 items. The major objects are considered below. 1) Blocks with Relief Decoration The most remarkable finds from the excavations are numerous limestone fragments with relief decoration, recovered from disturbed ground overlying the structure (Fig. 4: 1-6). The number of fragments recovered amounted to nearly a thousand, though they are for the most part of relatively small size. Many were of excellent quality, and in them the name, titles and figures of Khaemwaset occurred repeatedly, providing clear evidence for the owner of the structure. Despite the lack of in situ fragments, analyses of the find-locations have produced good evidence to show that these reliefs for the most part originated 74 ORIENT WASEDA UNIVERSITY Fig. 4 Vol. XXXII 1997 Blocks with relief decoration, EXCAVATIONS and reconstruction AT NORTH SAQQARA of a lotiform column 75 from the dismantled walls of the excavated stone structure. The limestone reliefs of this structure may be divided into five major groups, according to type (raised or sunk), motifs, and sizes of the figures. These groups are tentatively referred to below as "Limestone False-door", "Offering to Deities", "Boats on the Nile", "Procession of Deities", and "Large Figures of Khaemwaset". Sunk relief was employed only for the limestone false-door, which was probably set in the west wall of the portico (Fig. 4: 1). The upper part of this false-door appears to have been decorated with a scene in which a standing figure of Khaemwaset, identified to the Bark of Sokar(8). embellished The with vertical by his name and titles, offers pellets of natron lower part is adorned inscriptions, reminiscent with complex panelling of some Old Kingdom false- doors(9). With the exception fragments are executed the independent been decorated as Anubis papyrus of the false-door, the remainder of the limestone in raised relief, which is of rather rare occurrence reign of Ramesses II(10). with scenes of Khaemwaset and a falcon-god(11), skiff with figures during The walls of the portico seem to have making "Offerings and a scene ("Boats of Khaemwaset to Deities" on the Nile") and a goddess, such depicting a as well as aquatic plants and creatures (Fig. 4: 4). In the scene "Procession of Deities" (Fig. 4: 5 and 6)(12), which formerly adorned the walls of the rectangular room, many gods and goddesses are shown carried Figures "Large processing towards of Khaemwaset" (Fig. 4: 2). Other minor groups of fragments also been isolated, though permit reconstruction. Not a few limestone nearly 1mm styles of carving, inscriptions, Kingdom fragments the content it is assumed are, in general, were carved preserving they originate monument have in very shallow paint. raised relief, Based on their and the palaeography of their from of Old reused blocks date(13). Fragments of reliefs in granite originate up at the west end of the cult room. inscriptions. from the false-door The largest height, shows a seated figure of Khaemwaset, 76 originally of the doorway too small in number to the original of their depictions, that which from this New Kingdom the elements in height, sometimes the cult room, on the thicknesses These texts contain the prince's fragment, accompanied three principal presumably nearly set 130cm in by several lines of titles; "sem-priest", ORIENT WASEDA UNIVERSITY EXCAVATIONS AT NORTH SAQQARA "king's son", and "chief of the master craftsmen" (for inscriptions,see below). A similar false-door, also made of granite, was discovered by Mariette in the Serapeum(14). 2) Faience Objects The number of faience objects is relatively large, amounting to over a hundred items and including amulets, vessels, tiles, and beads. More than 60 amulets are among the collection (Fig. 5: 15-17). Figures of divinities, such as Taweret and Shu, are the most frequently occurring, followed by Ptahpatek, Wedjat-eyes and papyrus-columns(15). Fragments of vessels are also common. About 40 tiles have been identified, with several preserved intact. These are rectangular in shape, often with convex section, glazed on only one face. The average size is approximately 8×5cm, and the appearance similar to the famous tiles known from the Step Pyramid(16) and elsewhere(17), though their date has been undetermined so far. 3) Glass About 50 glass fragments have been excavated from the disturbed ground overlying the structure. They are for the most part small fragments, from vessels, and dated after the first century BC. Several rim fragments are preserved, permitting the reconstruction of bowl-like, shallow forms (Fig. 5: 1114)(18). Blowing is the dominant shaping technique, with the rim generally fashioned by rolling the edge of the glass. 4) Pottery Pottery sherds were excavated from the site in abundance. These dated from the New Kingdom, the Late Period, and the Roman-Coptic periods. The last were relatively more frequent. Fragments of New Kingdom vessels compose the second largest group (Fig. 5: 1-5). Several shapes characteristic of this period were represented, including funnel-necked jars (Fig. 5: 4), plates with red washed rim (Fig. 5: 1 and 2) and a good number of miniature dishes (or lids)(19) and small pots. Several blue-painted pottery vessels dating from late Dynasty XVIII and after, may be Vol. XXXII 1997 77 Fig. 5 78 Finds from the site ORIENT WASEDA UNIVERSITY EXCAVATIONS AT NORTH SAQQARA noted (Fig. 5: 4 and 5). The fabrics of these New Kingdom wares divided roughly into two categories, Nile Silt and Marl, as in the case of other New Kingdom sites at Saqqara(20). Several fragments probably from Late Period pottery vessels were found in the assemblage, including torches (Fig. 5: 7), a brazier, and globular jars (Fig. 5: 6)(21). The quantity seems to be limited. As noted above, sherds of Roman-Coptic pottery vessels occupy the largest part of the collection (Fig. 5: 8-10). The most conspicuous examples are bowls of "Egyptian Red Slip Ware"(22) (Fig. 5: 9-10), some of which have stamped decorations at the base of the interior. 5) Miscellaneous Objects Besides the above-mentioned finds, several other objects may briefly be described. Four fragments of stelae were recovered from the debris above the stone structure during the course of the three seasons. Two fragments are inscribed with a cartouche of Tuthmosis IV, and one of these carried also a representation of this king smiting a foreign enemy. Stelae with similar motifs were excavated at Memphis(23). Fragments of wooden "butterfly" clamps, including a few complete examples, were also found, used to join adjacent blocks(24). Slots for the insertion of such clamps were observed on several blocks, including column bases and the wall blocks of the portico. V. Inscriptions 1) Relief Inscriptions Hieroglyphic inscriptions occurred on a number of limestone fragments as part of the relief decoration. Only the best preserved text on the largest fragment of the granite false-door from the cult room will be noted here. The inscriptions are as follows(25): (1) (2) The sem-priest and king's son Khaemwaset living for ever May the sem-priest and king's son Khaemwaset see with the eye of Horus, May he appear in the heaven with Re. Vol. XXXII 1997 79 (3) The sem-priest and king's son Khaemwaset appears as Nefertem, the lotus flower at the nose of Re(26). (4)......[the lord of] the horizon when he crosses the heaven. May the chief of the master craftsmen, the sem-priest and king's son Khaemwaset live like the living sky-goddess(27). 2) Hieratic Dockets On numerous limestone blocks, traces of ink, both black and red, were observed. Some represent hieratic dockets, mentioning dates, the names of gangs ("Right" or "Left"), and the names of persons. The palaeography of these dockets indicates that they are Memphite hands of Ramesside period. They may be divided into four classes according to their content: A) Name, B) Gang+ Name (e.g. Fig. 5: 19), C) Date+Name (e.g. Fig. 5: 20), D) Date+Gang+ Name (e.g. Fig. 5: 18), and E) others. Since a name is always present in these documents, it seems that the most important concern of the scribes was to record who was responsible for the activity recorded. Since some documents specify "right" or "left" before the name of the subject, it is probable that the workmen involved in the construction at this site were divided into two gangs(28). Such references are rarely encountered on actual building blocks(29), and might offer a clue to understanding the organization of the work force in the Memphite area at this time(30). VI. Dating and Nature of the Structure There is little doubt that the owner and focus of this stone structure was Prince Khaemwaset, whose name was repeatedly inscribed on the walls and false-doors(31). The three principal titles of the prince so far encountered would seem to indicate, further, that the monument was erected after the first quarter of the reign of his father, Ramesses II(32). Supporting evidence for the structure's temp Ramesses II, is provided by the palaeography of the hieratic dockets and the bulk of New Kingdom pottery sherds(33). Many strange features, which might be regarded as "archaism" (the shape of the lotiform columns, and the form of the limestone false-door with panel decoration), can be explained by the unique character of this prince, who must have had good knowledge of earlier 80 ORIENT WASEDA UNIVERSITY monuments and perhaps his personal architecture(34). The monument the Roman period, introduced quite intentionally, was subsequently as indicated EXCAVATIONS a degree of archaism reconstructed by the reuse and reemployed of blocks graffiti, and by the abundance of Roman artifacts. The precise nature of the building is another magnificent eastward-facing reminiscent of those large, free-standing chapels"), excavated portico, pyramid of the building densely assembled blocks has yet been detected tripartite important New Kingdom other components monument inscribed within is quite distinct from ordinary that some alterations burial chamber "tomb However, No further the room with to the west of the cult room, and the excavated area. tomb-chapels, The Khaemwaset which commonly have with an entrance though it should be taken into consideration in the plan during the construction related to a change also in the nature of the structure. the nature of this monument The is strongly tombs, (so-called cult rooms at the west end and large courts furnished to the underground as late as concern. causeway(35). are quite different. into with Greek as well as the axial orientation, to the south of Unas's no burial shaft has been located AT NORTH SAQQARA process may have been A further understanding of may be hoped for as a result of future excavation. Notes (1) Waseda University mission is grateful to the former Secretary-General of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, Prof. Mohamed Abd El-Halim Nur El-Din, and the members of the permanent committee including the present Secretary-General Dr. Ali Mohamed Hassan, for permission to undertake this project. To the SCA's many officials, especially Dr. Zahi Hawass, Mr. Mohamed Hagras, Mr. Yahiya Aid, Mr. Magdy El-Ghandur and Mr. Abdallah Mahmoud, Mr. Ezat El-Gendy, Mr. Abdallah El-Hasanen, Mr. Nur El-Din Abd El-Samad, the mission is indebted for courteous and practical support. Thanks are due also to Prof. Geoffrey T. Martin, Dr. Jacobus van Dijk, Dr. Alan Zivie, Dr. Miroslav Verner, Dr. Penelope Wilson, Prof. Peter Munro, Dr. Yvonne Harpur, Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim and Reis Talal A. El-Kereti Aly, Mr. Ian J. Mathieson, Dr. Ana Tavares, Dr. James P. Allen, Dr. Nicholas Reeves, and several other scholars, who have given helpful suggestions for interpretating the site and finds. (2) For this project, see also Egyptian Archaeology, The Bulletin of the Egypt Exploration Society No.5 (1994), pp.19-23; J. Leclant et G. Clere, Orientalia 62(1993), p.201; 63(1994), p.377; 64(1995), pp.256-257 (3) G.T. Martin, JEA 69 (1983), pp.25-9; The Memphite Tomb of Horemheb, Commanderin-chief of Tut'ankhamun I: The Reliefs, Inscriptions, and Commentary (London 1989); G.T. Martin, M.J. Raven, B.G. Aston, and J. van Dijk, JEA 74(1988), pp.1-14; Sayed Tawfik, MDAIK 47(1991), pp.403-409 (4) The closest parallels are those reported from the tomb of Ptahshepses at Abusir. See M. Verner, Preliminary Report on Czechoslovak Excavations in the Mastaba of Ptahshepses at Abusir (Prague 1976), 109-115 Vol. XXXII 1997 81 (5) G.T. Martin, The Memphite Tomb of Horemheb, p.18 (6) D.G. Jeffreys, The Survey of Memphis I (London 1985), Pls.22 and 23; Abdulla elSayed Mahmud, A New Temple for Hathor at Memphis (Warminster 1978); G.T. Martin, JEA 69(1983), pp.25-29 (7) E.g. D.G. Jeffreys, J. Malek and H.S. Smith, JEA 72(1986), p.13; J. Malek, in A.B. Lloyd (ed.), Studies in Pharaonic Religion and Society in Honour of J. Gwyn Griffiths (London 1992), p.61; G.T. Martin, The Memphite Tomb of Horemheb, pp.135-6; H.S. Smith, D.G. Jeffreys and J. Malek, JEA 69(1983), pp.38-39 (8) The bark of Sokar called "hnw" was often depicted in New Kingdom monuments; e.g., in the Memphite area, G.A. Gaballa, The Tomb-Chapel of Mose (Warminster 1977), Pl.XXVIII; W.M.F. Petrie, Giza and Rifeh (London 1907), Pl.XXXVIG; and, in other regions, A.M. Calverley, The Temple of King Sethos I at Abydos, Vol.IV (London and Chicago 1938), Pl.38; N. de Garis Davies, Seven Private Tombs at Kurnah (London 1948), Pls.VI and VII; R. Hari, La tombe thebaine du pere divin Neferhotep (TT50) (Geneve 1985), Pl.XXXV; J.E. Quibell, The Ramesseum and the Tomb of Ptah-hetep (London 1896), Pl.XIV; Medinet Habu Vol.VI (Chicago 1940), Pls.221-223 (9) Cf. S. Wiebach, "Scheintur", in Lexikon der Agyptologie, Vol.V, sp.567-570, 2. "Die Prunk-Scheintur" (10) Concerning royal reliefs, see K.C. Seele, The Coregency of Rameses II with Seti I and the Date of the Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak (Chicago 1940); W.J. Murnane, Ancient Egyptian Coregencies (Chicago 1977) pp.57-87; K. Mysliwiec, Le portrait royal dans le basrelief du nouvel empire (Varsovie 1976), pp.105-116 (11) Cf. H. Brunner, Die sudlichen Raume des Tempels von Luxor (Mainz am Rhein 1977), Taf.80, 100, 181; A.M. Calverley, op.cit., Vol.I (1933), Pl.33; Vol.II (1935), Pl.4; H.H. Nelson, The Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak, Vol.1, Part 1: The Wall Reliefs (Chicago 1981), Pl.1 (12) Cf. H.H. Nelson, op.cit., Pl.138 (13) For example, some blocks were decorated with stars, which often occur in the funerary temples of pyramids. E.g. see L. Borchardt, Das Grabdenkmal des Konigs S'a3hu-Re'. Bd.1: Der Bau (Leipzig 1910), p.48 and Abb.50 (14) F. Gomaa, Chaemwese, Sohn Ramses II. und Hoherpriester von Memphis (Wiesbaden 1973), Kat.30, Abb.9 (15) C. Muller-Winkler, Die Agyptischen Objekt-Amulette (Freiburg 1987), pp.94-177, 254267, Pls.VI-XIII, XXIII-XXIV; W.M.F. Petrie, Amulets (Warminster 1914), pp.9, 12, 47, Pls.II, XXIV-XXV, XXXI, XL; G.A. Reisner, Amulets. Catalogue general des antiquites egyptiennes du Musee du Caire, No.12528-13595 (1958), Pl.XXVII (12944, 13003, 13009), Pl.XXVIII (13015) (16) C.M. Firth and J.E. Quibell, The Step Pyramid, Vol.I, pp.33-35; Vol.II, Pls.38, 39 and 43; J.-P. Lauer, La pyramide a degres. L'architecture (Le Caire 1936), pp.35-37 (17) G. Dreyer, Elephantine VIII: Der Tempel der Satet, Taf.47-54, pp.141-146 (Mainz am Rhein 1986) (18) Cf. D.B. Harden, Roman Glass from Karanis (Ann Arbor 1936), pp.6-46, 63-131, Pls.XII (83-116, 221-242), XIV-XV (358, 360) (19) Cf. J. Bourriau and D. Aston, in G.T. Martin, The Tomb-Chapel of Paser and Ra ia at Saqqara (London 1985), Pl.35 (4, 6, and 33), Pl.36(61-78) (20) Cf. Bourriau and Aston, op.cit. (21) Cf. J. Bourriau and D. Aston, op.cit., Pl.37(119); D. Aston, in M.J. Raven, The Tomb of Iurudef:A Memphite official in the reign of Ramesses II (London 1991), Pl.53(68 and 69); P. French, in Cahiers de la ceramique egyptienne 3 (Le Caire 1992), Fig.20 (20 and 21) (22) Cf. J.W. Hayes, Late Roman Pottery (London 1972), pp.387-401 82 ORIENT WASEDA UNIVERSITY EXCAVATIONS AT NORTH SAQQARA (23) W.M.F. Petrie, Memphis I (London 1909), Pl.VIII; R. Engelbach, Riqqeh and Memphis VI (London 1915), Pl.LV. Cf. B.M. Bryan, The Reign of Thutmose IV (Baltimore and London 1991), p.157 (24) For such wooden clamps, see D. Arnold, Building in Egypt (New York and Oxford 1991), pp.124-128; S. Clark and R. Engelbach, Ancient Egyptian Construction and Architecture (Oxford and London 1930), pp.112-114 (25) Mr. S. Akiyama, epigrapher of the mission, is responsible for this reading. (26) Cf. PT §266a; P. Dorman,The Tombs of Senenmut (New York 1991), Pl.82a; T.G. Allen, Occurences of the Pyramid Texts with Cross Indexed of These and Other Egyptian Mortuary Texts (Chicago 1950) (27) Cf. CT 788. This is one of the pyramidion spells found in the Middle Kingdom, see H. Willems, Chests of Life (Leiden 1988), p.168 (28) Cf. J. Cerny, A Community of Workmen at Thebes in the Ramesside Period (Cairo 1973), pp.99-120; C.J. Eyre, in M.A. Powell (ed.), Labor in the Ancient Near East (New Haven 1987), pp.185-189 (29) Cf. W. Spiegelberg, in W.M.F. Petrie, Six Temples at Thebes (London 1897), Pl.IX, Figs. 14-18, 21 (30) We thank to Dr. Jacobus van Dijk for his suggestion on the reading of a docket inscribed with the name "'Imn-w3h-sw" in the field during the first season. (31) There are a number of studies on this prince, e.g. F. Gomaa, op.cit.; K.A. Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions, II (Oxford 1979); Pharaoh Triumphant. The Life and Times of Ramesses II (Warminster and Mississauga 1982), pp.102-109; C. Maystre, Les grands pretres de Ptah de Memphis (Gottingen 1992); Mohamed Ibrahim Aly, MDAIK 49(1993), pp.97-105 (32) Most scholars are agreed that Khaemwaset acquired the title "chief of the master craftsmen" after year 16 (F. Gomaa, op.cit., p.20; K.A. Kitchen, Pharaoh Triumphant, p.103; Maystre, op.cit., p.148), but there has been disagreement in the exact date of the appointment: e.g. Gomaa dated the appointment to year 25 or thereabouts (op.cit., p.21), and Kitchen to year 34 (K.A. Kitchen, op.cit., Chart 2). (33) During the fourth season, a faience scarab incised with the name and titles of Khaemwaset was discovered in the foundation of the portico, and an ostracon inscribed with the name of the prince and a date ("year 53 (of Ramesses II)") was excavated from debris. The result of this season will be published soon in a separate article. (34) Khaemwaset is famous as "the first Egyptologist", who restored Old Kingdom monuments in the Memphite area, see F. Gomaa, op.cit., pp.61-66; K.A. Kitchen, Pharaoh Triumphant, p.107. The prince himself expressed his favour of ancient monuments in an inscription left on a statue of Prince Kawab, see F. Gomaa, op.cit., Kat.51, pp.67-69; K.A. Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions, Vol.II, No.332 (35) K.A. Kitchen, in M. Gorg und E. Pusch (heraus.), Festschrift Elmar Edel (Bamberg 1979), pp.272-282 Vol. XXXII 1997 83