The Serapium is the sole legacy’ of a mysterious bull-worshipping cult that appar-gully thrived during the New Kingdom. Work on the main portion of the under-ground complex began in the 7th century BC with the efforts of Psamtik I and continued through the Ptolemaic era, though much older tombs adjoin this central set of chambers. In the oldest portion of the Serapium, two large gold-plated sarcophagi and several canopic jars containing human heads were found, as well as the undisturbed footprints of the priests who had laid the sacred animals to rest 3000 years earlier. (This portion of the tomb is no longer accessible.) Recessed tomb chambers flank the main corridor on both sides, each containing a sarcophagus. It’s difficult to imagine these mammoth coffins being transported to the confines of the cave-_their average weight is 65 tons. At the final tomb along the passageway stands the largest sarcophagus of all, hewn from a single piece of black granite.

The Tomb of Ti, 300m north of the Serapium, was excavated in 1865 and has since been one of the primary sources of knowledge about both daily and ceremonial life during the 3th dynasty (toward the end of the Old Kingdom, 25th century BC). Serving under three pharaohs, Ti must have been quite a power-monger-his titles included Overseer of the Pyramids and Sun Temples at Abu Sir, Superintendent of Works, Scribe of the Court, Royal Counselor, Editor, Royal Tea Brewer, and even Lord of Secrets. His rank was so lofty that he was allowed to marry a princess, Nefer-Hotep, and his children were considered royalty. In the tomb paintings, the children wear braided hairpieces, marking them as contenders for the throne.