The Serapeum at Saqqara is the tomb of the sacred Apis bulls that were associated with the god Ptah, whose cult center was in Memphis. An avenue of sphinxes leads to the Serapeum, which is composed of two long corridors that once housed the mummified remains of the bulls. The tomb was in use from the time of Amenhotep III in the New Kingdom through to the Ptolemaic Period.
Priests selected certain bulls based on their markings and divine birth. The bulls were treated with a lot of privilege during their life. Upon death, the bulls were mummified and placed in sarcophagi in an elaborate celebration.
Inscriptions record many kings who made offerings in the Serapeum. Two sons of Ramses II, Khaem-waset and Meren-ptah, donated several bulls, jewelry and shabtis as princes and High Priests of Ptah.
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