Foundation deposits are the archaeological remains of the ritual burial of materials under the foundations of buildings.
Ancient Egypt In the case of Ancient Egypt, foundation deposits took the form of ritual mudbrick lined pits or holes dug at specific points under temples or tombs, which were filled with ceremonial objects, usually amulets, scarabs, food, or ritual miniature tools, and were supposed to prevent the building from falling into ruin.
Examples
The Cyrus Cylinder, found in Babylon following Cyrus the Great's conquest The Artemision deposit at the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, in modern-day Turkey The foundation deposit at the Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor, Egypt The Apadana Hoard of coins found under Apadana Palace at Persepolis
See also Builders' rites Cornerstone
References