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Layer pyramid in Zawiyet El Aryan

The Layer Pyramid, located in the necropolis of Zawiyet El-Aryan in Egypt, is a fascinating archaeological site dating back to the 3rd Dynasty (around 2686 BC to 2613 BC). Its ownership is uncertain but is often attributed to Pharaoh Khaba. The pyramid’s design is similar to that of the Buried Pyramid of King Sekhemkhet, which helps date it to the 3rd Dynasty.

This step pyramid was planned to comprise 5 steps and reach a height of 42–45 meters, with a base of 84 meters. However, today it stands at only 17 meters tall. The pyramid was constructed using natural bedrock and mudbricks, and its slope was designed at a steep 68° angle.

The Layer Pyramid is particularly notable for its lack of artefacts and absence of a burial, leading to speculation that it may have been abandoned following the premature death of the king or never used for burial purposes. The site was surrounded by a necropolis with large mastabas for high officials of the 3rd Dynasty state, indicating its significance.

The pyramid was first examined in 1839 by John Shae Perring and later identified by Karl Richard Lepsius in 1848. Excavations in the early 20th century by Jacques de Morgan and Alessandro Barsanti revealed an unfinished structure with several corridors and chambers, all devoid of artefacts.

Published 2024-Apr-Tue

Layer pyramid in Zawiyet El Aryan

The Layer Pyramid, located in the necropolis of Zawiyet El-Aryan in Egypt, is a fascinating archaeological site dating back to the 3rd Dynasty (around 2686 BC to 2613 BC). Its ownership is uncertain but is often attributed to Pharaoh Khaba. The pyramid’s design is similar to that of the Buried Pyramid of King Sekhemkhet, which helps date it to the 3rd Dynasty.

This step pyramid was planned to comprise 5 steps and reach a height of 42–45 meters, with a base of 84 meters. However, today it stands at only 17 meters tall. The pyramid was constructed using natural bedrock and mudbricks, and its slope was designed at a steep 68° angle.

The Layer Pyramid is particularly notable for its lack of artefacts and absence of a burial, leading to speculation that it may have been abandoned following the premature death of the king or never used for burial purposes. The site was surrounded by a necropolis with large mastabas for high officials of the 3rd Dynasty state, indicating its significance.

The pyramid was first examined in 1839 by John Shae Perring and later identified by Karl Richard Lepsius in 1848. Excavations in the early 20th century by Jacques de Morgan and Alessandro Barsanti revealed an unfinished structure with several corridors and chambers, all devoid of artefacts.

 the Layer Pyramid at Zawyet El-Aryan

  1. Background:

    • The Layer Pyramid, known locally in Arabic as “el haram el midawwar” (meaning ‘rubble-hill pyramid’), dates to the 3rd Dynasty of Egypt (around 2686 BC to 2613 BC).
    • Its ownership remains uncertain, but it is often attributed to Pharaoh Khaba.
    • The architectural design closely resembles that of the Buried Pyramid of King Sekhemkhet, firmly placing it within the 3rd Dynasty context.

  2. Construction and Features:

    • Type: Originally planned as a step pyramid, it was intended to comprise 5 steps.
    • Materials: Constructed using natural bedrock and mudbricks.
    • Height: The pyramid was planned to be 42–45 meters (138–148 feet) tall, but today stands at only 17 meters (56 feet).
    • Base: The base measures 84 meters (276 feet).
    • Slope: The pyramid’s steep slope has an angle of 68°.

  3. Archaeological Exploration:

    • Early Investigations: The Layer Pyramid was first examined in 1839 by John Shae Perring.
    • Identification: In 1848, Karl Richard Lepsius identified it as a pyramid (listed as number XIV in his pioneering list).
    • Subsequent Excavations:
      • Jacques de Morgan discovered the entrance to the subterranean passages in 1896.
      • Alessandro Barsanti explored the vertical access shaft leading to the burial chamber in 1900.
      • George Reisner and Clarence S. Fisher worked on the site in 1910–1911, excavating the north and east exteriors and surrounding cemeteries.
    • Artifact Mystery: No artifacts were found during excavations, and no clear evidence of a burial was uncovered. It remains unclear whether the pyramid was intended for a pharaoh’s burial or was abandoned due to the king’s premature death.

  4. Necropolis and Temples:

    • Necropolis: At the time of construction, the pyramid was surrounded by a necropolis housing large mastabas belonging to high officials of the 3rd Dynasty state.
    • Temples: A mortuary temple was built on the eastern side of the pyramid, and a valley temple may have been located several hundred meters away.

  5. Current Status:

The Layer Pyramid stands as a silent witness to ancient Egypt’s mysteries, waiting for further exploration beyond its enigmatic walls. 🌟

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