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Auguste Mariette

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description Auguste Mariette Overview

Auguste Mariette was a French Egyptologist and archaeologist who worked in Egypt during the nineteenth century. In 1858 he became the first director of the Egyptian Antiquities Service, an institution established to supervise excavations and protect archaeological remains from removal and illicit excavation. Mariette is particularly associated with the discovery and excavation of the Serapeum at Saqqara, the underground burial complex connected with the sacred Apis bulls.

help Auguste Mariette FAQ

What did Auguste Mariette discover at Saqqara?

He excavated the Serapeum of Memphis, the underground necropolis associated with the sacred Apis bulls. His work there began during his first Egyptian campaign in the early 1850s and became one of his defining discoveries. [Louvre](https://mini-site.louvre.fr/trimestriel/2021/Dossier_images_Louvre/21/)

What position did Auguste Mariette receive in 1858?

In 1858 he became the director or head of Egypt's Antiquities Service. The post gave him responsibility for excavations and for protecting archaeological remains. [INHA](https://www.inha.fr/dictionnaire-critique-des-historiens-de-lart-actifs-en-france-de-la-revolution-a-la-premiere-guerre-mondiale/mariette-auguste-inha/)

What was the Bulaq Museum connection to Mariette?

Mariette established an early Egyptian state museum at Bulaq to keep excavated antiquities in Egypt. The museum opened in 1863 and became an important predecessor of the modern Egyptian Museum. [Griffith Institute](https://archive.griffith.ox.ac.uk/index.php/actor/browse?entityType=132&page=7&sf_culture=it&sort=identifier&sortDir=asc)

Did Auguste Mariette work on the opera Aida?

Yes. He helped develop the Egyptian setting and worked with Camille du Locle on the libretto project for Verdi's Aida. The opera was first performed in Cairo in 1871. [Griffith Institute](https://archive.griffith.ox.ac.uk/index.php/actor/browse?entityType=132&page=7&sf_culture=it&sort=identifier&sortDir=asc)