What term describes the area known as the City of the Dead in ancient Egyptian culture?

The term that accurately describes the area known as the City of the Dead in ancient Egyptian culture is "Necropolis." A necropolis is a large cemetery or burial site that historically encompasses monumental tombs and graves. The term itself derives from Greek meaning "city of the dead," perfectly reflecting the purpose of these expansive burial grounds.

In ancient Egypt, necropolises were significant, as they were typically located on the outskirts of cities and held elaborate burial structures for the deceased, particularly for pharaohs and nobility. The most famous of these is the Necropolis of Giza, which includes the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx.

Other terms listed, such as cemetery, tomb, and mausoleum, do not capture the broader concept of a necropolis. A cemetery generally refers to a burial ground, while a tomb is a specific structure for the dead. A mausoleum is a grander form of a tomb, often intended for a specific individual or family, but does not encompass the idea of a larger burial site like a necropolis does. Therefore, necropolis is the most fitting term that reflects the significance and scale of these burial areas in ancient Egyptian culture.