Pyramid causeway in the Old Kingdom: evolution of the architecture and definition of the relief decoration program

Abstract

In the spring of 1994, an unexpected discovery to the North of the upper part of Sahure's causeway changed the long established belief that the mortuary complex of Sahure was excavated completely by L. Borchardt.1 Four huge limestone blocks decorated in basrelief of the highest quality bearing unique polychrome scenes were discovered during that spring, proving Borchardt's excavations of Sahure's complex were incomplete. These four blocks were evidence that more decorated blocks and fragments were still under the masses of sand surrounding the upper part of the causeway which had never been investigated by Borchardt? This surprising discovery was the result of cleaning being done in the area in preparation to open the Abusir necropolis for tourists. The work was under the supervision of Zahi Hawass. Hawass stopped the work at Abusir and reburied the blocks after they were photographed and drawn with the help of the Czech mission working at Abusir. Only a preliminary report was published by Zahi Hawass and Miroslav Verner to present the discovery to scholars.3 In their report, a survey of the causeways from royal funerary complexes was performed to alert scholars that many causeways are partially or completely unexcavated and need to be given more attention.4 In 2002, the present author was trusted by Hawass...