IFAO

After two seasons of investigations at the so-called necropolis ‘F’ of Abou Rawash, it has been possible to determine that the cemetery mostly dates back to the IVth Dynasty, and not to the late Old Kingdom as it is generally assumed. This is amply demonstrated by the monumental size of the mastabas, their architecture, pottery and other criteria, revealed from a number of newly excavated or re-investigated structures. The connections with the nearby pyramid of Radjedef (1.5 km SW) are not only established on those chronological grounds, but also from a number of similarities in material culture (e.g., pottery or mudbrick types) and the "royal" character of the masonry. Furthermore, two King’s sons at least were buried in this cemetery, both connected to Radjedef. The investigations also revealed a number of new data which demonstrate that, in the domain of elite burials, this reign is innovative in several aspects, from chapel plans to decoration.