English
the Pyramid of Djedefre at Abu Rawash
1.Location and Background
Egypt’s northernmost pyramid, termed the Pyramid of Djedefre, can be found in Abu Rawash in Egypt.
It is, however, presumed to have been dedicated in the even more northern Abu Rawash by Djedefre, King Khufu, also known as Cheops’ son, and heir.
While the site in Abu Rawash served as the location for the construction of his funerary monument, the question of why Djedefre did not build it next to that of his father at Giza remains unaddressed. Some of these theories point to intra-dynasty rivalries while others draw attention to a possible link with the Heliopolitan solar theology.
2.Architectural Features
The pyramid complex has an inner enclosure wall which extended to a height of about more than 6 meters.
Unlike the pyramids of his predecessors Snofru and Khufu, Djedefre’s Funerary pyramid had its burial chamber constructed under the ground.
At the depth of this 2-meter wide chamber was constructed aproximately 4 meters below ground level containing the chamber at the the base of a 23 by 10 meter and sunken 20 meters Gazebo . The chamber itself measured inside 21 by 9 meters.
An aproximately 49-meter-long corridor sloped inward towards the Ground level providing the entrance and access to the pyramid.
The entrance was located towards the north direction which is in the shape of cicumpolar stars that is inline with the basics of Old Kingdom pyramids traditions.
Sadly, very little is left of the pyramid at present, which has led to the conclusion that it was most probably not completed.
3.Construction Technique
Architecturally, Djedefre’s pyramid was different from those built by his immediate precursors.
He did not introduce shields inside the pyramid to create the inner chambers.
Instead he employed the “pit and ramp” method.
4.Here’s how it worked
Djedefre began by digging out a pit measuring 21 m x 9 m with a depth of 20 m into the earth’s natural surface.
At an angle of 22 degrees 35 minutes, a ramp was built and the chambers and access passage were built partly inside the pit and on the ramp.
When the inner chambers were complete, the sides and ramp were covered, and the pyramid was erected
