Old hieratic inscriptions from the Old Kingdom tombs at Abusir

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of the types of hieratic inscriptions found on the limestone masonry of Old Kingdom tombs in the Abusir necropolis. Different purposes of the inscriptions can be traced in the material. Among the recorded hieratic examples, it is possible to identify not only quarry marks and construction marks, but also inscriptions intentionally identifying the owners for visitors. Research has shown a clear difference in the variety of the inscriptions between the tombs at the Abusir royal necropolis and the tombs of officials in the southern part of the cemetery at Abusir South.