For two seasons between 1903 and 1905, Reisner excavated four areas at Giza. During the Old Kingdom (Dynasties 3-6, ca. 2686-2181 B.C.), Giza was an important royal cemetery of the capital of Memphis. It was during the Old Kingdom, the first classic period of Egyptian civilization, that the pyramids were built. Here Reisner excavated several tombs of nobles from the 4th and 5th Dynasties. Some, like Wepemnofret, were royal princes, while others were elites of lesser importance. As one can see here, the Old Kingdom was noted for its fine limestone sculpture. After 1905, Reisner continued his work at Giza under the auspices of Boston's Museum of Fine Art.
Slab stela of Prince Wepemnofret, in situ. Egypt, Giza, tomb G 1201. Photo by George A. Reisner, 1905 (16-6-3).
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