description Dahshur Necropolis Overview
The Dahshur Necropolis is an ancient Egyptian royal burial ground located on the west bank of the Nile River, south of Cairo. It was established during the Old Kingdom under King Sneferu in the 26th century BC. The site is most notable for containing the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, which are among the earliest smooth-sided pyramids built in Egypt. Dahshur remained a significant necropolis through the Middle Kingdom, serving as the resting place for pharaohs like Amenemhat III.
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Dahshur Necropolis ranks #12 of 182 in the Necropolis ranking, behind Pere Lachaise Cemetery, ahead of Banditaccia Necropolis.
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What pyramids are located at the Dahshur Necropolis?
The Dahshur Necropolis contains several major pyramids, most notably the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, both built by King Sneferu in the 26th century BC. The site also includes later pyramids from the Middle Kingdom, including the Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III.
Why is the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur bent?
The Bent Pyramid's angle changes dramatically partway up, shifting from a steep 54-degree angle to a shallower 43-degree angle. Most Egyptologists believe the change was made during construction due to structural instability or the death of Sneferu, necessitating a quicker completion.
Can you go inside the Red Pyramid at Dahshur?
Yes, visitors can enter the Red Pyramid through a passage that leads to several chambers inside. The Red Pyramid was the first successful true smooth-sided pyramid and you can climb down into its interior chambers, though the passage is steep and narrow.
How does Dahshur compare to Giza in terms of pyramid sites?
Dahshur is older than the Giza pyramids and represents the experimental phase of pyramid construction under Sneferu, father of Khufu. While Giza's Great Pyramid is larger and more famous, Dahshur's Bent and Red Pyramids were critical steps in developing the engineering that made Giza possible.
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