Abu Sir is a widespread archaeological site in the desert area of Egypt situated roughly 50 kilometers to the southwest of Cairo. It was the main burial ground of the Egyptians during the Old Kingdom (circa 26th century BCE and 22nd century BCE) and it flourished in particular during the Fifth dynasty when numerous kings of this region built pyramids and mortuary temples for themselves.
In Abu Sir, the most important monuments comprise of the pyramid complexes of three kings: Sahure, Neferirkare Kakai, and Userkaf. They were within these temples that these kings’ funerary cults were enacted, for which these complexes were constructed as elaborate centers for the performance of rituals and offerings in order to care for them in life and after death.
Pyramid of Sahure: The pyramid of Sahure II the son of the king of the Fifth Dynasty is one of the structures that remained intact at Abu Sir. At first, itwas about 47 meters high and was composed of a cluster of structures, including a mortuary temple, a causeway, and a valley temple. The mortuary temple had halls and rooms allocated for offerings and other practices, while the causeway connected the valley temple to the pyramid.
Pyramid of Neferirkare Kakai: Neferirkare Kakai, one more ruler of the Fifth Dynasty, built a huge pyramid complex in Abu Sir. Although his pyramid lies in a state of disrepair more than half, the remnants of the mortuary temple and causeway can be found at the site. The mortuary temple had ornamental carvings and sculptures illustrating the pharaoh’s events and gifts for the gods.
Pyramid of Userkaf: Pharaoh Userkaf who was the first king of the Fifth Dynasty construction of the Sun Temple of Userkaf was constructed a short distance from his pyramid at Abu Sir. The temple was devoted to the sun god Ra and was integrated into the complete burial grounds. Userkaf's pyramid, similar to those of his successors,