Dahshur Pyramids: The Forgotten Monuments of Ancient Egypt
Information about Dahshur
About 40 kilometers southwest of Cairo is the village of Dahshur, which is renowned for its magnificent antique architecture. Seven pyramids’ worth of ruins have been found at the Dahshur site so far, in addition to large tomb complexes that were constructed for Memphis city’s queens and nobility up until the 13th Dynasty during the Middle Kingdom. Both the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid at Dahshur, which were built during the reign of King Sneferu (2613–2589 BC), the founder of the 4th Dynasty, are excellent examples of the impressive structural development used in the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza and other ancient Egyptian pyramids. The oldest Dahshur pyramid, according to archaeological investigations, was built in 2613 BC, while the most recent pyramid is thought to have been created in 2589 BC. Because they are some of the country’s oldest pyramids, many historians frequently refer to the Dahshur pyramids as “genuine” Egyptian structures. In actuality, this necropolis is home to the two oldest pyramids in the nation. Another striking element of these pyramids is the variety in design from one pyramid to the next.
The pyramids of Dahshur
The Red Pyramid of Dahshur
The Red Pyramid was the first pyramid ever constructed with “truly” smooth sides. It was also constructed under the rule of pharaoh Sneferu, just as the Bent Pyramid. Although human bones were found in the pyramid, it has never been confirmed that pharaoh Sneferu intended for it to be his own final resting place, as is the belief of many historians. Visitors are actually permitted to enter the room where the human remains were found, which is unusual for Egyptian pyramids. The Red Pyramid is also one of Egypt’s best-preserved pyramids, so you should definitely pay it a visit while you’re in Cairo.
The Black Pyramid Of Dahshur
Despite the Black Pyramid‘s current significant damage, it is still a much visited tourist destination. During the time of King Amenemhat IIl, work on the pyramid began, but the pharaoh was forced to give up when it was discovered that the desert sands beneath would not be able to support the weight of the massive building. a number of modest, unmolested royal women’s tombs, many of which still have jewelry collections inside.
The Bent Pyramid Of Dahshur
The Bent Pyramid, which was constructed under the rule of Pharaoh Sneferu, is an obvious departure from the conventional “step” pyramid shape. It is also acknowledged as the first attempt to construct a pyramid with smooth sides. It is widely believed that the smooth sides were intentionally included in the design. On the other hand, there is still significant controversy over the pyramid’s odd shape. While many historians and archaeologists concur that the builders of this pyramid rapidly discovered they were working at a much too steep a pitch and switched to a gentler slope for the remainder of the project, some contend that the angled sides were part of the original design. It got that name as it was unfinished and it had to get reconstructed, but the King decided to leave it like that
