In the above view we are looking towards the northeast corner of Unas's pyramid, taken from the d... more In the above view we are looking towards the northeast corner of Unas's pyramid, taken from the direction of Djoser's step pyramid. Little remains but a small mound of debris, along with the scant remains of the pyramid temple; both of which were extensively quarried for their fine stone. In the foreground we can see a deep cutting running through the image, this is often referred to as the 'Dry Moat' which surrounds Djoser's pyramid complex; a massive complex in comparison to Unas, which was constructed in the 3 rd Dynasty. Indeed, the pyramid and temple of Unas are built over impressive subterranean galleries constructed in the 2 nd Dynasty. Unas is often described as the last king of the 5 th dynasty, 1 and between Djoser and Unas, we are looking at a period spanning three centuries. The family tree of Unas is not clear, but his pyramid was the next to be constructed after his predecessor Djedkare, who also built at Saqqara. The above ruins would be the smallest pyramid built for a king in the Old Kingdom, but today it is more memorable than some of its larger counterparts due to
Neferirkare"s pyramid is easily recognised amongst the pyramid field of Abusir, it is by the far ... more Neferirkare"s pyramid is easily recognised amongst the pyramid field of Abusir, it is by the far the largest pyramid at Abusir and also occupies the highest spot. In the image above we can make out Neferirkare's pyramid on the left, showing its distinctive steps of core masonry; the smaller pyramid on the right belongs to Niuserre, and in the foreground we can see the basalt paving of his pyramid temple. Once again I am grateful to the Isida Project for the use of their images.
Not much remains of Userkaf"s pyramid complex; the best preserved elements are the pyramid itself... more Not much remains of Userkaf"s pyramid complex; the best preserved elements are the pyramid itself and its substructure, whilst the exterior elements such as the satellite pyramid, queen"s pyramid, temples etc are severely dilapidated. In the above image we are looking at the north entrance of Userkaf"s pyramid; unfortunately, the descending passage has been largely quarried away, along with the fine casing which would have once sheathed the above ruin. Despite the better preservation of the above pyramid and substructure, we know surprisingly little about it. A large part of the data which we hold, especially on the substructure is from J.S.Perring, who provides a small list of measures, along with a few paragraphs of description. 1
In the above view we are looking towards the northeast corner of Unas's pyramid, taken from the d... more In the above view we are looking towards the northeast corner of Unas's pyramid, taken from the direction of Djoser's step pyramid. Little remains but a small mound of debris, along with the scant remains of the pyramid temple; both of which were extensively quarried for their fine stone. In the foreground we can see a deep cutting running through the image, this is often referred to as the 'Dry Moat' which surrounds Djoser's pyramid complex; a massive complex in comparison to Unas, which was constructed in the 3 rd Dynasty. Indeed, the pyramid and temple of Unas are built over impressive subterranean galleries constructed in the 2 nd Dynasty. Unas is often described as the last king of the 5 th dynasty, 1 and between Djoser and Unas, we are looking at a period spanning three centuries. The family tree of Unas is not clear, but his pyramid was the next to be constructed after his predecessor Djedkare, who also built at Saqqara. The above ruins would be the smallest pyramid built for a king in the Old Kingdom, but today it is more memorable than some of its larger counterparts due to
Neferirkare"s pyramid is easily recognised amongst the pyramid field of Abusir, it is by the far ... more Neferirkare"s pyramid is easily recognised amongst the pyramid field of Abusir, it is by the far the largest pyramid at Abusir and also occupies the highest spot. In the image above we can make out Neferirkare's pyramid on the left, showing its distinctive steps of core masonry; the smaller pyramid on the right belongs to Niuserre, and in the foreground we can see the basalt paving of his pyramid temple. Once again I am grateful to the Isida Project for the use of their images.
Not much remains of Userkaf"s pyramid complex; the best preserved elements are the pyramid itself... more Not much remains of Userkaf"s pyramid complex; the best preserved elements are the pyramid itself and its substructure, whilst the exterior elements such as the satellite pyramid, queen"s pyramid, temples etc are severely dilapidated. In the above image we are looking at the north entrance of Userkaf"s pyramid; unfortunately, the descending passage has been largely quarried away, along with the fine casing which would have once sheathed the above ruin. Despite the better preservation of the above pyramid and substructure, we know surprisingly little about it. A large part of the data which we hold, especially on the substructure is from J.S.Perring, who provides a small list of measures, along with a few paragraphs of description. 1
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