In Photos: 4,500-Year-Old Homes Found Near Giza Pyramids

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Residences Giza Discovery

giza residences

(Image credit: Copyright 2016 by Ancient Egypt Research Associates)

Here, the remains of a residence of an official can be seen in the foreground of this image. The enclosure that the residence is located in may have been used for the containment and slaughtering of animals. [Read more about the Giza pyramids discovery]

Residences Giza Discovery

giza residences

(Image credit: Copyright 2016 by Ancient Egypt Research Associates)

A virtual reconstruction of an official's residence. It is located near what appears to be a corral that held animals. It's possible that the person who lived here oversaw the slaughtering of animals for food.

Residences Giza Discovery

giza residences

(Image credit: Copyright 2016 by Ancient Egypt Research Associates)

A virtual reconstruction of a courtyard located near an official's residence. The shadows reflect the position of the sun as it appears on June 15 at 10 a.m.

Residences Giza Discovery

giza residences

(Image credit: Copyright 2016 by Ancient Egypt Research Associates)

This photo shows the remains of a courtyard located near an official's residence. The image at top right shows what appears to be a large vat. The image at bottom right shows two measuring bowls and the remains of a lamp (the shallow object is the lamp).

Residences Giza Discovery

giza residences

(Image credit: Copyright 2016 by Ancient Egypt Research Associates)

The reception hall for another residence is located at far right in this image. Sealings found in this area have writing on them that refers to a "wadaat" of Menkaure. It's possible that the person who lived here was a priest who oversaw baking and brewing operations in this area.

Residences Giza Discovery

giza residences

(Image credit: Copyright 2016 by Ancient Egypt Research Associates)

The official who lived in this area may have overseen production of bread and beer. This may have been used to feed a paramilitary force that was housed nearby and possibly also the people working on the pyramid of Menkaure. Excavations will continue in this area in 2019.

Owen Jarus
Owen Jarus
Live Science Contributor

Owen Jarus is a regular contributor to Live Science who writes about archaeology and humans' past. He has also written for The Independent (UK), The Canadian Press (CP) and The Associated Press (AP), among others. Owen has a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Toronto and a journalism degree from Ryerson University.