The “Other” Pyramids of Egypt

The “Tourist” to Egypt will have no idea of the ‘Other’ non-glamourous Pyramids of the Ancient Civilization of Egypt! But for the Experience Traveller, the Pyramids of Saqqara and Dashur will indeed have more charm – they predate the Pyramids of Giza and show the interesting history of the development of ‘True’ Pyramids! And the fact that you normally end up having the entire Pyramid to yourself (especially the Red and Bent) is an additional attraction!!

Saqqara – the Step Pyramid

The centre-piece of Saqqara is the first stone Pyramid of the World – the Step Pyramid built by Pharaoh Djoser (3rd Dynasty, Old Kingdom) and designed by his famous counselor Imhotep. The Step Pyramid predates the Great Pyramid by at least 100 years. (2667 BCE – while the Great Pyramid was completed in 2560 BCE)

Djoser’s step pyramid is astounding in its departure from previous architecture. It sets several important precedents, perhaps the most important of which is its status as the first monumental structure made of stone.

This first Egyptian pyramid consisted of six mastabas (of decreasing size) built atop one another in what were clearly revisions and developments of the original plan.

The Burial chamber (A shaft in the middle of the base) is actually under the ground (30 mtrs below!) and is cased in granite. The Burial chambers are surrounded by a complex labyrinth of tunnels – which is estimated to be 3.5 miles long!! However, unfortunately due to the fragile state of the chambers – public access is not allowed!

Watch the fascinating story of how the Step Pyramid’s is being rebuilt and its burial chamber is being strengthened:
Saving Egypts Oldest Pyramid by National Geographic Channel

Dashur – The Bent Pyramid

The Bent Pyramid owes its modern-day name to the fact that the upper half of this pyramid was built at a lower angle than the bottom part, giving it a very characteristic bend. The Ancient Egyptian name for this pyramid was ‘The Southern Shining One’, a reference to the fact that it was built at the southern edge of Dashur.

A unique example of early pyramid development in Egypt, this was the second pyramid (of the three) built by Pharaoh Sneferu (first king of the 4th Dynasty – 26 Century BCE).

The Bent Pyramid rises from the desert at a 54-degree inclination, but the top section (above 47 meters) is built at the shallower angle of 43 degrees, lending the pyramid its very obvious ‘bent’ appearance.

The Bent Pyramid is unique amongst the approximately ninety pyramids to be found in Egypt, in that its original polished limestone outer casing remains largely intact. Archaeologists now believe that the Bent Pyramid represents a transitional form between step-sided and smooth-sided pyramids.

To the south of the Bent Pyramid is a curious smaller satellite pyramid. The internal structure of this Pyramid is a precursor for the pyramid of Khufu at Giza. It has a descending and then an ascending passage, with a smaller version of Khufu’s Grand Gallery! The actual burial chamber is far too small for a human burial and may probably have been intended to house the Ka statue of the king.

Though architecturally inferior to the Red Pyramid, this is my favourite Pyramid in Egypt! Its limestone casing, the shape, the underrated satellite Pyramid and the fact that you can walk around it – with nobody to disturb you (of course the soldier guard will always be around), all contribute to making it my favourite!

The Red Pyramid, Dashur

The Red Pyramid, also called the North Pyramid, is the largest of the three major pyramids located at the Dahshur necropolis and build by Pharaoh Snefuru. Named for the rusty reddish hue of its red limestone stones, (inner – after its outer Limestone casing was stripped over the years), it is also the third largest Egyptian pyramid, after those of Khufu and Khafra at Giza. It is also Egypt’s first successful attempt at constructing a “true” smooth-sided pyramid. Hence, the Red Pyramid is known as the First ‘True’ of the world!

While its Ancient Egyptian name was ‘The Shining One’, local residents refer to the Red Pyramid as el-heram el-watwaat, meaning the Bat Pyramid. (Go inside the burial chambers and you will realize why it is called the Bat Pyramid)