In 1926, an arrival in Egypt initiated a seven-decade career that redefined the study of pyramid construction. Jean-Philippe Lauer, a French architect who moved to the Saqqara plateau at the suggestion of his cousin, spent the remainder of his life immersed in the excavation and meticulous restoration of Djoser’s complex, ultimately becoming a primary authority on ancient Egyptian engineering techniques.
Early Career and Relocation
Born in Paris in 1902 to a wealthy family of Alsacian origins, Lauer pursued training in architecture. Facing limited prospects in post-World War I France, he accepted advice from his cousin, Jacques Hardy, to relocate to Egypt. Upon his arrival in 1926, he secured an eight-month position assisting Cecil Mallaby Firth, who was conducting excavations on the Step Pyramid of Djoser. This initial engagement became the foundation of his lifelong commitment to the site.
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Lauer’s collaboration with Firth proved highly successful, leading to recurring renewals of his position. Following Firth’s death in 1931 and the subsequent passing of his successor, James E. Quibell, in 1936, Lauer faced a period without an official contract. Despite this, he remained in Egypt. His work focused heavily on the restoration of the serdab and enclosure wall of Djoser’s mortuary complex. His technical proficiency allowed for the identification of subterranean chambers and the discovery of three blue faience-lined rooms.
Institutional Contributions
In 1963, Lauer co-founded the Mission Archéologique Française de Saqqâra alongside Jean Leclant to formalize research efforts. Throughout the 1950s, he collaborated with Zakaria Goneim on the pyramid of Sekhemkhet and later assisted in clearing Goneim’s reputation regarding a smuggled vessel. Lauer remained physically active on-site into his nineties, earning the moniker the forgotten of God from his Egyptian workers. He continued his scholarly output until the end of his life, publishing extensive studies on his findings.
Fast facts
- Born: 1902, Paris
- Died: 2001, Paris
- Primary Field: Egyptology and Architecture
- Long-term site: Saqqara plateau
- Co-founder: Mission Archéologique Française de Saqqâra
- Notable honor: Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour
Questions readers ask
What was Lauer's primary contribution to Egyptology?
He is recognized as the foremost expert on pyramid construction methods and for his extensive restoration work on the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
Did Lauer remain in Egypt his entire life?
He lived in Egypt from 1926 until his death in 2001, with only brief interruptions, such as when Gamal Abdel Nasser assumed power.
Achievements
- Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour
- Commander of the National Order of Merit
- Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres
