Ahmose Pyramid at Abydos by Alan Winston

The ruins of Ahmose at Abydos are extensive, not only consisting of a pyramid and mortuary complex, but also the town of the workers who built and later managed the facilities. The mortuary temple that is recognizable as such lies somewhat north of the pyramid. This structure appears for the most part to be the outer section of the temple, with a plan consisting of a massive wall on the east and a central doorway that lead to a forecourt. From the forecourt, a doorway leads to a square court. Foundation blocks at the back might have supported the pillars of a colonade. However, between this section of the temple and the pyramid itself are  what probably remains of an inner court where little was found except patches of pavement and four circular granaries along the back wall. Mace also discovered a semi-circular mudbrick deposit that may have either been the remains of a ramp, or the inner sanctuary of the temple.

The Pyramid of Amenemhet I at Lisht by Alan Winston

Amenemhet I, who founded Egypt's 12th Dynasty, was most likely the first ruler of the Middle Kingdom, after the First Intermediate Period, to build any sort of substantial pyramid.  He did this at Lisht, near the Fayoum Oasis, which was growing in importance during this time. In fact, his pyramid named "Cult Places of Amenemhet's Appearance" most likely was built very near his new capital of Itj-towy. In addition, the old, important canal called Bahr el-Libeini may have run very close to the escarpment at the foot of Amenemhet I's pyramid, thus providing it with a harbor. Amenemhet I also established a new tradition. In the Old Kingdom, the name of the pyramid usually was inclusive of the associated structures, including the pyramid town that so often grew up around the pyramids.

The Pyramid of Amenemhet II at Dahshur by Alan Winston

For some reason, Amenemhet II, the third King of Egypt's 12th Dynasty and Senusret I's successor, choose to build his pyramid at Dahshur, a lonely pyramid field that dates from the 4th Dynasty, rather then at Lisht where his two predecessors built theirs. Dahshur is an interesting field to explore, because it has only recently been open to the public and so far is not so very crowded with tourists. It has some interesting and otherwise fine (and large) examples of pyramids. This pyramid was most likely called "Amenemhet is well cared for", and is located east of the better known Red Pyramid, but is not nearly as well preserved as some others in the area. We call Amenemhet II's structure the White Pyramid, though it is certainly no longer white. It derived this name many years before when stone thieves stole the casing, leaving behind many limestone chips that made the pyramid at that time to appear white.

The Pyramid of Amenemhet III at Dahshur by Alan Winston 

Amenemhet III's Pyramid at Hawara by Alan Winston

The Pyramid of Ameny Kemau at Dahshur by Alan Winston 

Ancient Pyramid Legends and Myths by Jimmy Dunn

The Construction of the Egyptian Pyramids by Tour Egypt Staff

Ever wonder how the Egypt pyramids were built? We have put together some general information on their construction.

The Pyramid of Djedefre at Abu Rawash by Alan Winston 

Djedefre, the 3rd ruler of Egypt's 4th Dynasty and the son of Khufu, for unknown reasons, abandoned the necropolis at Giza and built his pyramid at Abu Rawash. It was called "Djedefre's Starry Sky". This move is interesting, and it is often suggested that Djedefre had some sort of falling out with his family, or at least his brothers, for this location is an odd choice. His successor immediately returned to Giza. However, this conflict with his family is far from certain, and more recent evidence suggests that there were in fact no problems at all. Other than the ruins of Lepsius pyramid number one, Djedefre's pyramid is the northernmost of any pyramid in Egypt. Before Lepsius, Perring briefly investigated the ruins, concentrating on the substructure, and Petrie later examined the pyramid in the 1880s.

The Pyramid of Djedkare at South Saqqara by Alan Winston 

The pyramid of Djedkare in South Saqqara was originally called, "Beautiful is Djedkare". Never let it be said that pharaohs had no ego. Today it is called Haram el-Shawaf, meaning the "Sentinel Pyramid", and was probably built under the supervision of Snedjemib, an overseer of works. It was investigated by Perring, and shortly afterwards by the Lepsius expedition. In 1880, Maspero entered the substructure to look for pyramid texts. No systematic investigation of the pyramid was begun until the 20th century, when Abdel Salam Hussain and Alexandre Varille examined it, but unfortunately their work was interrupted an  their work research lost. It seems just about the same thing happened when Fakhry investigated it during the 1950s. It was further investigated by Mahmud Abdel Razek in the 1980s but at this point damage has made it difficult to excavate. The valley temple has never been researched at all.

The Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara in Egypt, An Introduction by Alan Winston

The Great Step Pyramid Complex at Saqqara, known to the ancient Egyptians as kbhw-ntrw (libation of the deities), is one of those superstars of Egyptian monuments that is almost always on the itinerary of antiquity tours to Egypt, and for good reason. Few monuments hold a place in human history as significant as that of this Pyramid. It can be said without exaggeration that the Step Pyramid complex constitutes a milestone in the evolution of monumental stone architecture, both in Egypt and in the world as a whole. It is the beginning of an evolutionary period that would eventually see the polished, smooth faced true pyramids of the 4th Dynasty master builders. 

The Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara in Egypt - The Primary Pyramid Structure by Alan Winston

The Great Step Pyramid of Djoser, which dominates his complex at Saqqara near Cairo in Egypt, has been thoroughly studied in recent decades. Unfortunately, its examination has created just about as many questions as answers. These investigations have shown that its construction plan was changed several times, and that the pyramid's current form is the result of a long process of development that included both experimentation and improvised elements. This pyramid is considered to be the evolutionary basis of all later pyramids in Egypt. 

The Mortuary Temple, Serdab, Northern Courtyard and the West Mounds of the Step Pyramid of Djoser by Alan Winston

The area north of the Pyramid proper at the Step Pyramid Complex of Djoser at Saqqara appears to be the least investigated. At the foot of the north wall of the Step Pyramid is situated the imposing mortuary temple of the ruler, where his cult was celebrated. It is from here that the lower chambers of the pyramid are accessed. It may not have always been in its current position. It may have been moved north as the pyramid of Djoser was expanded. The temple's longer axis is oriented east- west. The main entrance of this building, which has a floor that is slightly elevated in comparison to the surrounding buildings, was in the southeastern section.

The South and North Pavilions, the Sed Festival Complex and the Temple "T" in the Step Pyramid Complex of Djoser At Saqqara in Egypt by Alan Winston

To the west of the Sed Festival Complex in the Step Pyramid Complex of Djoser at Saqqara, and adjacent to the Great Southern Court is the so called "T" Temple, which owes its name to Lauer's working identification of it as "T", and not to its shape. Like other buildings in the Djoser complex, it too uses the old, Early Dynastic Period construction method for mudbrick architecture expressed in its stone block composition. The temple, which could also be entered from the south and the east, consisted of an entry colonnade, an antechamber, three inner courtyards and a square room.

The Trench and Perimeter Wall, the South Courtyard And South Tomb of the Djoser Step Pyramid Complex At Saqqara in Egypt by Alan Winston

The Step Pyramid Complex of Djoser at Saqqara in Egypt was not only bounded by a monumental perimeter wall of limestone, but was also completely surrounded by an enormous trench measuring some 750 meters long by 40 meters wide. This trench, which was originally carved out of the underlying rock, is now covered up with sand and rubble, but it remains clearly visible in aerial photographs and in photogrammetric maps of Saqqara. The trench, which is actually the largest structure of its kind at Saqqara, resembles the hieroglyphic sign for h, "ground plan for a house.", forming a rectangle that is oriented north-south.

Egypt's Ancient, Small, Southern, Step Pyramids by Alan Winston 

While everyone knows of Egypt's great pyramids, many less significant examples dot the Egyptian landscape. Scattered along the Nile from Seila, which is on the edge of the Fayoum Oasis, down south to Elephantine Island at Aswan are seven of Egypt's smallest step pyramids. They date from the second half of the 3rd Dynasty to as late as the early 4th Dynasty. There are likely others that remain undiscovered, or now completely ruined. Though today largely discounted, some researchers have even attributed all of these small pyramids to a single ruler, Huni, the last ruler of the 3rd Dynasty, who probably at least built the one located on Elephantine Island. They are very different then the later, larger pyramids, having no internal chambers, nor any underground structures. Among them, only the pyramid in Zawiyet el-Meiyitin was not built on the west bank of the Nile.

The Evolution of the Egyptian Pyramid by Pete Vanderzwet

In the last two decades much has been written on the pyramids, anchored not with archaeological evidence, but instead with wishful thinking and un-evidenced, fanciful imagination. This scholarly error has resulted in a general public that believes the pyramids, Khufu’s in particular, are mysterious, magical monuments that appear overnight and with no architectural or cultural evolution. This could not be further from the truth; the Egyptian pyramid is the result of centuries of development, experiment and adaptation to various evolving cultural manifestations. For thousands of years in the Predynastic Period the dead were buried in shallow oval pits, sometimes surrounded by their personal belongings and covered with sand.

Giza Worker's Village by Marie Parsons

The pyramids and their temples were part of the royal cult, and required the dedication and devotion of craftsmen and laborers who believed in their King and their gods. Slaves there may have been. But the pyramids were built by Egyptians, by stonemasons, artisans, artists and craftsmen.

The Great Expeditions to the Pyramids By Allen Winston

There are, in Egypt and Nubia, some 300 pyramids that were built over a period of about 3,000 years. Most of these were excavated in a period of just over three decades near the turn of the 20th century. This was an explosive period of Egyptian excavation which arose after the tight control of Egypt's first Director of Antiquities, Auguste Mariette.

Kahun, Middle Kingdom Workers' Village by Marie Parsons

The pyramid now called el-Lahun stands north of the modern town of that name and was built by Senwosret II, c. 1895 BCE, during the period known as the Middle Kingdom of ancient Egypt. Flinders Petrie, who discovered and excavated the pyramid and its ancient temples and town, gave the name Kahun, since they stood in the vicinity of the modern town of el-Lahun, close to the Faiyum.

The Great Pyramid of Khafre by Alan Winston

Because its apex is in better condition and it is located on an elevation (of about 10 meters), Khafre's sometimes appears to be the largest of the three great Pyramids of the Giza Plateau. However, originally it was some three meters lower than its neighboring pyramid belonging to Khafre's father, Khufu. In fact, the walls of Khafre's pyramid are steeper than the Great Pyramid of Khufu (53o 10' as opposed to Khufu's 51o 40'), so it contains considerably less mass. It's name is "Khafre is Great".

The Pyramid of Khendjer at South Saqqara by Alan Winston 

Located between the pyramid of Pepi II and and the pyramid of Senusret III in far South Saqqara only a short distance from Cairo are the slim remains of the only 13th Dynasty Pyramid to be completed. This is the mortuary complex of Khendjer, who's name is vaguely Syrian or Palestinian. His odd name mean's "boar", and he may have been a leader of foreign troops serving in Egypt. The pyramid was discovered by Jequier in 1929.

Pyramid of Khentkaues at Abusir by Alan Winston 

On the south side of the pyramid of Neferirkare at Abusir is a small structure that may have first been investigated by Ludwig Borchardt. Even though its location and east-west orientation would suggest that this was a small pyramid, Borchardt dismissed it as a double mastaba of little significance and so did not explore it fully. Only after a much later investigation in the 1970s by a Czech team of archaeologists was its true nature revealed and its owner clearly established as none other then the consort of Neferirkare, Khentkaues II. Inscriptions within the pyramid help us decode the history of this period. They tell us that there were probably two stages of this pyramids construction. The pyramid was probably begun during the reign of Neferirkare, but around the tenth year of his rule, construction was halted. We presume this was due to the king's death. On this part of the construction, Khentkaues II was referred to as "King's Wife".

The Pyramid of Khufu at Giza in Egypt, An Introduction by Allen Winston

Here, we begin a multi-part, in depth investigation into the most famous of all the ancient Egyptian monuments. It is, of course, the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), the largest pyramid in Egypt, located on the Giza Plateau just outside Cairo. Its name was "Khufu's Horizon" In fact, even if people have very little knowledge of Egypt, they will frequently not only know of this monument, but will also have any number of opinions about how and when it was built, as well as its function. Arguably, it is the best known manmade structure in the world, and for good reason. Of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Khufu's Pyramid is the first, and only survivor. It is indeed impressive, originally standing some 146.59 (481 feet) high and covering about thirteen acres of land.

The Pyramid of Khufu at Giza in Egypt The Pyramid Proper, Part I: Core and Casing by Allen Winston

The Great Pyramid of Khufu, for some 43 centuries, was ranked as the tallest manmade structure on earth, only being surpassed in height in the nineteenth century AD. To give a relative idea of its size, consider that the area covered by the Great pyramid could accommodate St Peter's in Rome, the cathedrals of Florence and Milan, and Westminster and St Paul's in London combined. Khufu probably abandoned the royal necropolis at Dahshur because it lacked enough space to build the large complex he intended for his burial, and because there was not enough limestone nearby, but he may have also been concerned with the stability of the subsoil, which consists of slaty clay.

The Pyramid of Khufu at Giza in Egypt, The Pyramid Proper, Part II: Internal and Substructure by Allen Winston

One of the most controversial aspects of the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza in Egypt is its internal structure and substructure. Here, we find elements that are unique in the development of Egypt's pyramids, and at the same time, remarkable architectural achievements. However, it should be pointed out that the walls of the internal structure have almost no decorations, save for various graffiti. Most of Egypt's royal pyramids varied to some degree in respect to their chambers. Some of this was due to evolutionary structural development, religious innovations, security innovations and early experimentation.

The Pyramid of Khufu at Giza in Egypt, Other Standard Pyramid Elements by Allen Winston

Many imaginative people would like to wish an extraordinary builder or builders upon the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza, just outside of Cairo. Indeed, the builders were extraordinary, but not alien or Atlantian. They were the ancient Egyptians who probably built the first stone structures, as well as over one hundred other pyramids. The Great Pyramid, though larger than any other, and having a somewhat different internal structure, nevertheless possesses in its complex all of the common elements found in earlier and particularly later pyramid complexes. These structures consist of a valley temple, a causeway, a mortuary temple, a courtyard and a smaller cult pyramid.

The Pyramid of Khufu at Giza in Egypt, Khufu's Boats and Boat Pits by Allen Winston

When I think of Khufu's complex at Giza near Cairo, I am often reminded of a poster that hung for years in a friend's house. It depicted a five car garage, filled with some of the most expensive automobiles in the world. The caption read, "The Benefits of Higher Education". Of course, the five pits that once all held boats surrounding Khufu's pyramid complex would have to be "The Benefits of Being Pharaoh". It should be pointed out that there are actually seven boat pits in the whole complex of Khufu at Giza, but two of the boat pits are associated with the smaller so-called Queen's Pyramids.

The Pyramid of Khufu at Giza in Egypt: The Three Queen's Pyramids by Allen Winston

Within the overall complex of the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza near Cairo in Egypt, a total of five pyramids exist. One, of course, is the primary pyramid of Khufu, and the second is its cult pyramid. The other three, frequently called the Queen's Pyramids, are situated on the main pyramid's eastern side, to the south of his mortuary temple and outside of the main enclosure wall. They have been designated G 1a-c by archaeologists. Interestingly, according to Dr. Zahi Hawass, these pyramids are not so much a part of the inner complex of Khufu's pyramid, but are rather part of the eastern necropolis, which contains the mastabas of Khufu's closest relatives. 

Secret Chambers of the Great Pyramid of Khufu by Jimmy Dunn

Gilles Dormion, in conjunction with Jean Patrice Goidin, has participated in various work at the Great Pyramid built by Khufu at Giza in Egypt, as well as other pyramids in Egypt. They worked on the ventilation system within the Great Pyramid, and the French team also used an instrument which measures differences in gravity to find internal spaces. They did discover some abnormalities and obtained authorization from the Supreme Council of Antiquities to drill a series of minute holes into the west wall of the Queen's Chamber. The project, testing the theory of a hidden chamber behind the west wall, revealed a large cavity filled with unusually fine sand.

The Last Royal Pyramid in Egypt: An Update on the Pyramid of Ahmose by Jimmy Dunn

Abydos, for some years, was a rather difficult place to visit in Egypt, requiring special permission for tourists. Today the site is more open, and though one cannot say that it holds great sightseeing treasures like the Great Pyramids of Giza or the Temples of Luxor, its significance in Egyptian history cannot be questioned, and many mysteries surround this archaeological site. It was a holy site to the Egyptians, where some of the earliest rulers were probably buried, but it remained a focus of religious activity for thousands of years. One such mystery surrounds the rubble core and casing stone that marks the remains of the last known royal pyramid built in Egypt by the founder of the New Kingdom, Ahmose.

The Layer and Unfinished Pyramids Near Zawiyet el-Aryan Village by Alan Winston 

Near Cairo about halfway between Giza and Abusir is the village of Zawiyet el-Aryan on the banks of the Nile. Just west of the village is a necropolis on a slightly elevated area just on the edge of the desert. This location is about 7 km (4 miles) north of Saqqara. It is a small, relatively unknown pyramid field containing only two unfinished pyramids and nothing at all else. The most advanced, older of these two pyramids is called the Layer Pyramid by Egyptologists and Haram el-Meduwara, or the "Round Pyramid", by locals. The other pyramid is simply referred to as the "Unfinished Pyramid of Zawiyet el-Aryan".

Lepsius Pyramid Number One by Alan Winston 

Abu Rawash is only a few kilometers north of Giza, but it is rarely visited because there is really very little to see. Most of the monuments built there are in complete ruin. The best known of these is a pyramid built by the 4th Dynasty king, Djedefre (Radjedef). Then, perhaps, the second most noticeable ruins are those of the structure that the Lepsius expedition believed was a pyramid. As the northernmost of any pyramid ruins discovered at that time, they assigned it the number one.

Maidam, Lisht and a Close Encounter with Bauval by Alan Fildes

The fascinating and rewarding journey South along Egypt's main artery to Maidum takes one hour & twenty minutes, passing at first the heavy industrial sites consuming the environs of the metropolitan City of Cairo. One finally arrives at Pharoanic Fayoum where the fields tended by rural farmers are surely little effected since the halcyon days of Nefermaat & Rahotep 4500 years ago. 

The Meidum (Maidam) Pyramid (Probably of Snefru) in Egypt by Alan Winston

Just across from the Fayoum in the Nile Valley, south of Cairo, situated alone on the edge of the Western Desert above the lush green fields at Meidum is a tower shaped structure some sixty-five meters high that was once a pyramid that we believe was built by the 4th Dynasty King, Snefru (Sneferu, Snofru). However, there is no sure agreement on this among Egyptologists. Some believe that the early phases of construction were done by Huni, his predecessor, and that Snefru was only responsible for the completion of the Pyramid. However, Huni's name was not found at the pyramid, and various written documents suggest that it and the nearby residential city belonged to the reign of Snefru. Also, many of the nearby tombs also belong to the family of Snefru.

The Pyramids of Mazghuna by Alan Winston 

The pyramids at Mazghuna known as the Northern and Southern Mazghuna Pyramids, may belong to Sobeknefru (Queen Nefrusebek), the last pharaoh of Egypt's 12th Dynasty and Amenemhet IV, respectively, but no inscriptions bearing their names have been found and their ownership is far from certain. Mazghuna is a little known pyramid field about 5 kilometers (three or so miles) south of Dahshure. If these pyramids do belong to Sobeknefru and Amenemhet IV, they are evidence of the decline at the end of the 12th Dynasty of Egypt's Middle kingdom.

The Pyramid of Merenre at South Saqqara by Alan Winston 

Today, the pyramid of Merenre, located in South Saqqara, is barely noticeable next to other  nearby monuments. It lies relatively deep in the desert, right at the southwest edge of the necropolis. It is mostly in ruins, though it was once called "Merenre's beauty shines". The pyramid has not been investigated extensively. Perring examined it in the 1830s and noted fine white limestone casing blocks within the rubble, which are today no longer in sight.  Later in the 1880s, Maspero entered the subterranean chambers of the pyramid looking for pyramid text, and today it is being investigated by a French team under the direction of Leclant. However, much of what we know of the pyramid comes from biographies of high officials such as Uni (Wini?), who provided valuable information on the origin of the materials used to build the pyramid

The Pyramid of Menkaure On the Giza Plateau by Alan Winston

Menkaure apparently intended for his pyramid on the Giza Plateau to be the last of that specific area of the Memphite necropolises which it is, as well as being the smallest. The valley temple lies at the mouth of the main wadi, closing what had been the principal conduit for construction materials brought to Giza for three generations. Named "Menkaure is Divine", the pryamid was thought by some Greeks, according to Herodotus, to belong to the Greek hertaera Rhodopis. Manetho thought that it belonged to Psamtik I's beautiful daughter, Nitokris.

Pyramid of Neferirkare at Abusir by Alan Winston 

Neferirkare's pyramid at Abusir was the largest structure in the region, but was probably never finished. It was originally called "Kakai is a soul". Kakai is the throne name of Neferirkare. Perring initially investigated the structure during modern times, as did the Lepsius expedition a short time latter. Borchardt examined the pyramid and its mortuary temple in detail between 1904 and 1907. Because of the ruined condition exposing the core steps of Neferirkare' pyramid, Borchardt stated it presented an ideal setting in which to study the construction techniques used to build the pyramids and Lepsius based his theory of inclined accretion layers on his study of this pyramid. In more modern times, a Czech archaeological team also further investigated the pyramid's remains.

The Necropolis of Deir el-Medina on the West Bank at Luxor by Jimmy Dunn 

Deir el-Medina lies in a small valley between the western slope of the Theban mountain and the small hill of Qurnet Murai. It was the workers village where craftsman and other lived who actually constructed and decorated the tombs on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes). The artisans who lived in this community built their tombs only a few dozen meters from their town on the heights that overlook the village. The excavated burials here include those of Sennedjem (TT1), a foreman named Inerkhau (TT 229 and TT 359), Pashedu (TT 3), Nakhtamen (TT 218), a sculptor named Ipuy (TT 217), Nebenmaat (TT 219) and Nakhtamen (TT 335). They were all artists during the Ramesside period and were well known for their work on the West Bank. Apparently they paid considerable attention to their own tombs and the arrangement of their necropolis.

The Pyramid Complex of Niuserre at Abusir by Alan Winston

Niuserre had to compromise on his pyramid at Abusir. We believe it was the last of the royal pyramids built there.. Were he to have built his pyramid on the basic axis established at Abusir, it would have been located deep in the desert and its building costs would have been excessive. He chose therefore to build it almost against the north wall of Neferirkare's mortuary temple. In doing so, the pyramid, named "The (cult) places of Niuserre are enduring", was somewhat boxed in. Otherwise, the pyramid is fairly typical. While Lepsius displayed the pyramid on his map of the field, he apparently did little investigation of this pyramid. Perring also examined the pyramid, but it was Borchardt that initially carried out a fundamental investigation of the site.

The Nubian Pyramids by Kelly Smith

The Pyramid of Pepi I at South Saqqara by Allen Winston 

Pepi I was the second ruler of ancient Egypt's 6th Dynasty, and his pyramid at South Saqqara, though no more then a twelve meter high ruin today, has actually had a significant effect on Egyptology. From the fragments of Khamuaset's restoration text, we do know that the pyramid was in good shape during the 19th Dynasty, with few improvements. This pyramid was first investigated by Perring in the 1830s, but in 1881, Maspero entered the subterranean section of the pyramid and there for the first time discovered pyramid texts. This pyramid continues to be scrutinized by the French archaeological mission in Saqqara, originally lead by Lauer and Sainte Fare Garnot, but since 1963 by Leclant and Labrousse. Among other finds, they have discovered the small pyramid complexes of Pepi's consorts.

The Pyramids of Pepi I's Queens and Family by Alan Winston 

We know of about six pyramids near the pyramid of Pepi I in South Saqqara. We assume all of these belong to his family and that nearly all of them were in fact consorts of Pepi I. These small pyramids belonged to Pyramid of Queen Nebwenet, Queen Inenek-Inti, Meritites, Ankhesenpepi II (the mother of Pepi II) and III, and probably at least one unknown queen. Still missing is the pyramid of Ankhesenpepi I, who was the mother of Merenre Nemtyemzaf who succeeded Pepi I as king of Egypt. There are many mysteries around the pyramid of Pepi I that need to be worked out. Perhaps someday, the riddles of his rule will unravel from the efforts of the French team now excavating the area. But for now our knowledge seems to be increasing on the period.

The Pyramid of Pepi II at South Saqqara by Alan Winston 

Pepi II's pyramid in South Saqqara was the last to be built in the best traditions of the Old Kingdom. It was named "Pepi's life is enduring", which indeed it was. He reign we believe lasted 94 years, longer then any other Ancient Egyptian pharaoh. The pyramid is located on the the southern edge of the necropolis, about three miles south Djoser's Step Pyramid, which probably made it a source of inspiration for Middle Kingdom pyramid builders. Once again, Perring first investigated the pyramid, followed by Maspero who entered it in 1881. However, not until 1926 was a systematic investigation initiated by Jequier, who continued his work until 1932.

The Pyramid of Pepi II's Queens at South Saqqara by Alan Winston 

As was customary during this period of time in ancient Egypt, a number of Pepi II's queens had their own pyramids near the king's in South Saqqara, a necropolis of Memphis, Egypt's capital during the Old Kingdom. These queens' pyramids belong to Neith, Ipwet (Iput II) and Udjebten (Wedjebten). Apparently another queen, Ankenesmerire III (Ankhesenpepi III) 1, choose to have her pyramid built closer to her fathers, Merenre, who was Pepi II's brother. This complex of temples is interesting because it was very complete. Not only did Pepi II's complex have all the components of traditional 6th Dynasty royal tombs, his queens tombs had all the components that were expected to be found in queens. tombs. They each had a main pyramid, a cult pyramid and a mortuary temple. No queens that we know of ever had a causeway or valley temple.

The Pyramids of Ibi, Khui and the Headless Pyramid Pyramids of the First Intermediate Period by Alan Winston 

In the First Intermediate Period, the central power structure of Egypt broke down. In effect, Egypt was divided, and for 194 years or so became two or more weaker countries ruled by local kings. It was a period of time when rulers had short reigns, as well as far fewer resources then during the preceding Old Kingdom of a united Egypt. While Mantho is most likely wrong, he even tells us that the 7th Dynasty had 70 kings in 70 days. Even though his assessment may be an exaggeration, pyramid building during this time was almost nonexistent as far as we can determine. We can only document three possible pyramids during this 194 year period, and there remains some questions about at least one of those. They include the Pyramid of Ibi, Khui's complex, that is probably a pyramid, and Lepsius Pyramid number 29, the "Headless Pyramid", which may or may not even date to the First Intermediate Pyramid.

Pyramidions by Allen Winston

True pyramids (at least the larger ones), as opposed to step pyramids in Egypt were topped by a special stone called a pyramidion, or sometimes a capstone, which was itself a miniature pyramid. It brought the pyramid structure to a point at the same angle and the same proportions as the main body. Actually, the ancient Egyptian word for the pyramidion, which could also sit atop the apex of an obelisk, was ben-benet, named for the sacred ben-ben stone kept in the temple of Heliopolis, the oldest center of the sun cult in Egypt. 

The Pyramids of Ancient Egypt by Alan Winston 

We are told of pyramids all over the world. We are told of pyramids in Australia and Greece, the United States and Spain. We are told of pyramids under the oceans and even in space Besides the pyramids of Egypt, we certainly know of the pyramids of South Mexico down into South America. It also seems likely that pyramids exist in China, though their investigation has been limited, and we know of no formal archaeological investigation. It is very probable that the small Greek pyramids exist, but many of the remaining structures claimed to be pyramids are questionable. One pyramid in China, called the White Pyramid, is even rumored to be larger then the Great Pyramid of Khufu, though this has only been reported by one person that we know of, and the China pyramid is made of earth, while the Great Pyramid is made of massive stones.

A Short Introduction to The Pyramids of Egypt by Alan Winston

Though we have a comprehensive site on the Pyramids of Egypt, this is a summary overview for those who would like to digest just a little less information. The Great Pyramids of Giza are some of the most famous manmade objects in the world, and they have been famous since ancient times. In fact, the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is the only "Wonder of the Ancient World" that still survives. However, there are actually over one hundred Pyramids in Egypt, including at least eight more at Giza (two belonging to kings and six to queens). Many Egyptologists have somewhat different views on exactly why the ancient Egyptian kings built Pyramids as their tombs, but all of them seem to agree that it had to do with their worship of the sun god, Re (Ra). Most believe that the Pyramid was symbolic of the Benben.

The Red Pyramid: Egypt's Other Great Pyramid by Jimmy Dunn

After the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza, the Red Pyramid at Dashur has the largest base (only slightly smaller then Khufu's pyramid, each side measures 722 feet) of any pyramid in Egypt. However, with it's sides sloping at 43 degrees 22', it is substantially shorter at 343 feet (104 meters). It is the fourth highest pyramid ever built in Egypt, with almost 160 layers of stone. Significantly, the Red Pyramid was the first successful, true, cased Pyramid built in Egypt, ushering in the era of the Giza style pyramids. Built by Khufu's father, Snefru, what really makes this pyramid special today is the lack of crowds and circus atmosphere that plagues the Giza Plateau, along with the fact that it can currently be entered without limitation. Read Story 

Reminiscences of Saqqara by Alan M. Fildes 

A few of my favorite ancient Egyptian sites are within the vast necropolis of what is today called Saqqara, the burial grounds for the noble populace of ancient Memphis (Ineb hedj, White Wall). This area's history spans time from the Archaic to Coptic times, over 3500 years of activity ( c 3200 to 500 ad ). From the crude to the magnificent, Saqqara caters to every student of Ancient Egyptian History. Over the years since my earliest exhilarating visit in December 1979, I have enjoyed the drive from Cairo along the main north/south route that turns west and is flanked by fig palm clad fields approaching the awesome Step Pyramid.

The Pyramid Complex of Sahure at Abusir by Alan Winston 

All of the pyramid complexes at Abusir are ruined, as much by stone thieves as from the ravages of time. Sahure's complex, which he called "Sahure's soul shines", was probably the first pyramid built on the pyramid field at Abusir, and is significant both because of its construction materials and the king of decorative reliefs used within the complex. It was famous for its art in antiquity, and we today recognize the complex as another milestone of ancient Egyptian tomb architecture. The early Egyptologist Perring first investigated the pyramid, and shortly after him, Lepsius also examined the structure, but perhaps because the pyramid looked was so ruined, little attention was given to its excavation. Later, de Morgan reopened the entry corridor, but he too showed a lack of interest in further explorations. Then, in the 20th century, Ludwig Borchardt finally recognized the pyramid's significance.

Sakkara (Saqqara), Egypt - A Special Edition by Jimmy Dunn

Learn More about Sakkara, one of the primary Pharaonic concentrations in Egypt.

King Sekhemkhet and his Pyramid at Saqqara by Alan Winston and Jimmy Dunn 

Almost everything we know about Sekhemkhet ("Powerful in Body"), we know because of his unfinished (Buried) pyramid at Saqqara, and it seems to give us little facts about his life. The only evidence outside of this tomb is a scene depicted at Wadi Maghara in the Sinai which bears his name. It is a military scene, classical in that it probably shows Sekhemkhet, with his raised mace, about to smite his desert enemies. This relief actually shows a procession of Sekhemkhets. In front of the smiting king, who is wearing the White Crown is a second depiction of the king wearing the Red Crown, and in front of him, another of Sekhemkhet back in the White Crown. However, we are not really sure of much about this king. According to the Turin King-list, Djoser's immediate successor was identified by his personal name Djoser-Ti (Djoserty), and ruled for only six years

The Pyramid of Senusret I at Lisht by Alan Winston 

Like his father, Amenemhet I, Senusret I built his pyramid at Lisht, near the Fayoum Oasis, about one and one half kilometers south. It is located on a prominent hill. We know from foundation tables that tt was called "Sunusret Looks Down on Both Lands". It may have even had its own pyramid town, named Khenemsut. Maspero visited the pyramid in 1882 and determined its owner from inscriptions on various objects. In antiquity, the pyramid had been robbed probably shortly after it was sealed. Maspero followed the robber's tunnel that curved around the granite barriers, where he found the remains of some funerary equipment.

The Pyramid of Senusret II by Alan Winston 

Senusret II chose to build his pyramid, called Senusret Shines, near the modern town of Lahun (Kahun) at the opening of the Hawara basin near the Fayoum, rather then at Dahshure where his father's (Amenemhet II) pyramid is located. It was first investigated by the Lepsius expedition in the 1840s, but was only later examined in detail by Petrie. The location of Senusret II's valley temple is known but no ground plan can be made from its ruins. The causeway is likewise ruined, but must have been broad, and of the completely destroyed mortuary temple on the east side of the pyramid, all that is known is that it must have been built of decorated granite, judging from the few fragments that remain. 

The Pyramid of Senusret III at Dahshur by Alan Winston 

The pyramid of Senusret III at Dahshur was apparently first investigated by de Morgan during the 1894-1895 excavation season. It is located northeast of the Red Pyramid, and far surpasses the pyramids of his predecessors in the 12th Dynasty in size. It is also very different in many respects in its underlying religious conception and represents another developmental milestone in pyramid design. We know nothing of the valley temple that may have been associated with this pyramid, for it has never been found, and while there was certainly a causeway that lead to the pyramid from the southeast, it has not yet been investigated. There was originally a small mortuary temple on the center of the pyramid's east side. It is too ruined really to make anything of the plan of this temple, but Arnold theorizes that it evidences the decline of the traditional mortuary cult, reduced to an offering hall with a granite false door, storage magazines and an entrance chamber.

The Bent Pyramid of Snefru at Dahshur by Alan Winston 

The Bent Pyramid was probably the first planned from the outset to be a true pyramid, with smooth sides. This represents a glorious period in the evolution of the pyramid, comparable to that when Djsoer's architect, Imhotep, built the Step Pyramid at Saqqara. The Bent Pyramid was probably either the first or second of Snefru's pyramids, depending on who built the Medium Pyramid. It was almost certainly built prior to his other project at Dahshur, the Red Pyramid. The pyramid is also sometimes called the Rhomboidal, False, or Blunt Pyramid. The ancient Egyptians called it "Snefru Shines - South (pyramid)". 

The Pyramid of Teti at Saqqara by Allen Winston 

The small hill in the main Saqqara pyramid field with a panoramic view of the whole necropolis is actually the pyramid of Teti, the first ruler of Egypt's 6th Dynasty, even though he was possibly the son of Unas, the last ruler of the 5th Dynasty. It is called "Teti's (cult) places are enduring", though this pyramid has not endured very well. Teti's valley temple and the three hundred meter long causeway leading to the mortuary temple have not been archaeologically investigated, but are located not to the east but to the southwest of the pyramid. Part of the causeway is visible however, as it meets the mortuary temple. This main pyramid has a core of five steps, with subterranean corridors and chambers similar to those of Djedkare's and Una's pyramids.

The Pyramids of Teti's Queens, Iput I and Khuit at Saqqara by Allen Winston 

Iput I was probably Teti's (6th Dynasty) principle queen, and may have legitimized his ascent to the throne of Egypt. She was probably the daughter of Unas (5th Dynasty) and the mother of Teti's successor, Pepi I. Her pyramid was discovered by Loret at the beginning of the 20th century, and later investigated by Firth, with Gunn's assistance, in the 1920s. Dr. Hawass, one of the current living legends of Egyptology, continues this investigation. This complex, located about 90 meters north of Teti's pyramid, has no valley temple, causeway or cult pyramid.

Pyramid of Unas at Saqqara by Alan Winston 

The Pyramid of Unas at Saqqara, even though the smallest of the Old Kingdom Royal pyramids, is considerably more famous and better known then the king who built it. This is because, for the first time that we know of, the 128 magical spells of the Pyramid Text appear on the walls of its subterranean chambers. It was once called "Beautiful are the (cult) Places of Unas", but today it is little more then a pile of rubble that, sitting next to the famous Step Pyramid, seems hardly noticeable. Unas' pyramid did not go unnoticed by Perring and shortly afterwards, of Lepsius, who numbered it 35 on his archaeological map. But its significance was not known until after Maspero, already having found parts of the Pyramid Text in Pepi I and Merenre I's pyramids, decided to reexamine Unas' pyramid in 1881.

The Unattested Pyramids of Abusir by Alan Winston 

Recent excavations at Abusir suggest that the archaeological studies of this necropolis may yield considerably more information. There is still much to learn about the period of these builders, mostly 5th dynasty, that built here. We cannot determine completely the builders of a number of small, mostly unfinished pyramids that have been discovered at Abusir. Specifically, the archaeologist, Lepsius, investigated two such pyramids that he numbered 24 and 25, and there is also the start of a pyramid that some would suggest belonged to Shepseskare, who we know almost nothing about.

The Unattested Southern South Saqqara Pyramid by Alan Winston 

Southwest of Khendjer's pyramid at South Saqqara is found the substructure for an unfinished pyramid that was discovered by Jequier, though not much else remains. It had an impressive side length of 78.75 meters (258 ft). It is generally surmised, because of the pyramid's intended size, the masonry of fine Turah limestone casing the corridors, the fine construction of the burial chamber and the elaborate closure system, that the pyramid was begun for a significant ruler, or at least a very ambitious one. However, he was almost certainly not buried here, and there is no indication of a ruler's cult worship within the complex.

Pyramid of the Unknown Queen at South Saqqara by Alan Winston 

Near the northeast corner of the Djedkare complex enclosure wall at South Saqqara is another, smaller pyramid complex without a causeway or valley temple. It consists of only the pyramid, a mortuary temple and its own enclosure wall. Because it is structurally incorporated into Djedkare's complex, even though it does not conform to the typical plans of other contemporary queens' pyramids, it likely belongs to one of his royal consorts. If it is, then it is probably not that of Meresankh IV, who some suggest was one of his consorts, because she has a tomb at Saqqara. Whoever owned this pyramid is not attested to within the pyramid that we know of, nor attested to in the pyramid of Djedkare.

The Pyramid Complex of Userkaf at Saqqara by Alan Winston 

Traditionally, Userkaf was the founder of the 5th Dynasty. Probably for political reasons, as well as the religious aspects, he built his pyramid in the shadows of Djoser's Step Pyramid at Saqqara, fairly distant from his predecessor, Shepseskaf's mastaba or the tombs of the 4th Dynasty rulers. Later kings of the 5th Dynasty would build on the Abusir pyramid field, though many Egyptologists consider Abusir was probably thought of by the ancient Egyptians as simply a Saqqara extension. His pyramid was called "Pure are the (cult) places of Userkaf". The interior was not entered until 1839, when Perring explored the lowest chambers by entering through a robber's tunnel. He is the only one to have explored the interior of the tunnel, and in 1991 the entrance was buried beneath rubble after an earthquake.

Search Egyptbot