Abstract
Geophysical investigations in West Saqqara area were part of the archaeological fieldwork of the Polish-Egyptian Archaeological Mission during the campaign in 2012. The main purpose of geophysical prospection using the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) was to determine the location of potential underground sepulchral structures in Saqqara necropolis. During the GPR survey, optimal depth penetration was achieved due to dry rocks and monolithic structure of ancient cemetery. Using antenna of 100 MHz, the depth of penetration was up to 45 m and with antenna of 250 MHz, up to 15 meters. Three main groups of archaeological structures were identified: Greco-Roman sarcophagi and mummies, brick-stone chapels and accompanying burial shafts; mobile objects (solid rock blocks as fragments of tombs). One of the main goal of the GPR survey was to track the route of the western part of the Dry Moat, expressed by a wide and shallow depression spreading towards north-south. It suggests that Saqqara plateau is an ideal site for using GPR surveying technology.
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