History of Ancient World

Pharaoh Merenre (also spelled Mernere or Merenrê) was the fourth king of the Sixth Dynasty of Egypt. He ruled for an estimated 6 to 11 years, from 2283 to 2278 BC or 2258 to 2251 BC, during the late Old Kingdom period. He was the son of Pepi I and Ankhesenpepi I, and was succeeded by his son, Pepi II. Merenre's reign was relatively short, but he was a successful ruler. He continued the expansion of Egypt's trade with Nubia, and he also built a number of new temples and monuments. (PYRAMID OF MERENRE) His most famous monument is his pyramid, which is located at Saqqara. The pyramid is known as the Khanefermerenre, and it is one of the best-preserved pyramids from the Old Kingdom. Merenre's death was a major turning point in Egyptian history. His successor, Pepi II, was only a child when he ascended to the throne, and his reign was long and troubled. The Old Kingdom eventually collapsed, and Egypt entered a peri

Pepi I Meryre, also known as Pepy I, was the third king of the Sixth Dynasty of Egypt. He ruled for over 40 years, from 2332 to 2283 BC, at the turn of the 24th and 23rd centuries BC. He was the son of Teti, the founder of the dynasty, and ascended the throne only after the brief intervening reign of the shadowy Userkare. His mother was Iput, who may have been a daughter of Unas, the final ruler of the preceding Fifth Dynasty. Pepi I was a successful ruler who oversaw a period of economic prosperity and cultural achievement. He expanded Egypt's trade networks and initiated a policy of intensive penetration of Nubia, south of the First Nile Cataract. (PYRAMID OF PEPI 1) He also built a number of important monuments, including his own pyramid at Saqqara, which is the second largest pyramid in Egypt after the Great Pyramid of Giza. Pepi I was succeeded by his son Merenre Nemtyemsaf I, with whom h

Userkare (also known as Woserkare) was the second pharaoh of the Sixth Dynasty of Egypt, reigning briefly, from 1 to 5 years, in the late 24th to early 23rd century BC. His name means "Powerful is the soul of Ra." Very little is known about Userkare's reign. He is not mentioned in any contemporary sources, and his name only appears on two later king lists: the Abydos King List and the Turin Canon. These lists indicate that he was the second pharaoh of the Sixth Dynasty, succeeding Teti and preceding Pepi I. The lack of contemporary sources for Userkare's reign has led to some speculation about his identity and relationship to Teti. Some scholars have suggested that he may have been Teti's son, while others have argued that he was a usurper who seized the throne after Teti's death. The only physical evidence that survives for Userkare's reign is a few cylinder seals and a copper ax head. These artifacts are inscribed with his name

The Pyramid of Ibi is the last pyramid built in Saqqara, Egypt. It was built for the pharaoh Ibi of the Eighth Dynasty in the 22nd century BC. The pyramid is located near the causeway of the Pyramid of Pepi II. It is very similar in plan, dimensions and decorations to the pyramids of the queens of Pepi II, the last great pharaoh of the Old Kingdom. The pyramid is not oriented to any cardinal point, being rather on a northwest–southeast axis. The edifice would have been around 31.5 m (103 ft) large and 21 m (69 ft) high with a slope of 53°7′ at the time of its construction. The core of the pyramid was built with limestone blocks of local origin, most of which are now gone, probably reused in later constructions. As a result, the monument appears today as a 3 m (9.8 ft) high heap of mud and limestone chips in the sands of Saqqara. On some of the remaining blocks, inscriptions in red ink were found mentioning a chief of the Libyans, the meaning of which is unclear. The pyramid'

It is located in Saqqara, Egypt, to the northwest of the Mastabat al-Fir’aun. It was built for the pharaoh Pepi II Neferkare of the Sixth Dynasty in the 22nd century BC. It is the final full pyramid complex to be built in Ancient Egypt. The pyramid is a six-stepped structure that originally measured 78.5 meters (258 ft) on each side and 52.5 meters (172 ft) tall. However, it has been damaged over time and is now only about 40 meters (130 ft) tall. The pyramid's substructure is similar to that of other pyramids of the Sixth Dynasty. It consists of a descending passage, a horizontal corridor, and a burial chamber. The burial chamber is decorated with Pyramid Texts, which are religious texts that were believed to help the pharaoh ascend to the afterlife. The Pyramid of Pepi II is an important archaeological site. It provides insights into the construction techniques and practices of the Sixth Dynasty, and it also contains valuable information about the religious beliefs of

The Pyramid of Merenre: It is located in Saqqara, Egypt, about 450 meters (1,480 ft) to the southwest of the Pyramid of Pepi I. Pyramid of Merenre in Saqqara It was built for the pharaoh Merenre Nemtyemsaf I of the Sixth Dynasty in the 23rd century BC. The pyramid is named Khanefermerenre, which means "The perfection of Merenre appears." It is a six-stepped structure that originally measured 78.75 meters (258.2 ft) on each side and 52.5 meters (172 ft) tall. However, it has been damaged over time and is now only about 20 meters (66 ft) tall. The pyramid's substructure is similar to that of other pyramids of the Sixth Dynasty. It consists of a descending passage, a horizontal corridor, and a burial chamber. The burial chamber is decorated with Pyramid Texts, which are religious texts that were believed to help the pharaoh ascend to the afterlife. The Pyramid of Merenre is an important archaeological site. It provides insights into the construction techniques an

Sure. The Pyramid of Pepi I is located in Saqqara, Egypt. It was built for the pharaoh Pepi I of the Sixth Dynasty in the 24th or 23rd century BC. The pyramid is named Men-nefer-Pepi, which means "Pepi's splendor is enduring." The pyramid is a six-stepped structure that originally measured 78.75 meters (258.2 ft) on each side and 52.5 meters (172 ft) tall. However, it has been damaged over time and is now only about 12 meters (39 ft) tall. The pyramid's substructure is similar to that of other pyramids of the Sixth Dynasty. It consists of a descending passage, a horizontal corridor, and a burial chamber. The burial chamber is decorated with Pyramid Texts, which are religious texts that were believed to help the pharaoh ascend to the afterlife. The Pyramid of Pepi I is an important archaeological site. It provides insights into the construction techniques and practices of the Sixth Dynasty, and it also contains valuable information about the religious beliefs of

It is also known as the Pyramid of Baka or the Pyramid of Bikheris. It is located in the Northern sector of Zawyet El Aryan, around 8 km (5.0 mi) south-west of Giza. It is believed to have been built during the early or mid-4th Dynasty (2613–2494 BC) during the Old Kingdom period. The pyramid owner is not known for certain, but most Egyptologists believe it should be a king known under his hellenized name, Bikheris, perhaps from the Egyptian Baka. The pyramid is unfinished, with only the square base, made of natural bedrock, being finished. The substructure consists of a T-shaped shaft, with a corridor on a South to North axis and the chamber on an East to West axis. The chamber contains an oval sarcophagus, which is empty. The pyramid is currently in a restricted area, but it is possible to visit it with a permit. The Northern Pyramid of Zawyet el'Aryan is a fascinating archaeological site, and it provides valuable insights into the construction techniques and practice

The Pyramid of Seila is a small step pyramid located in the Egyptian town of Seila, about 30 kilometers southwest of the city of Fayoum. It was built during the late 4th Dynasty (c. 2575-2465 BC) and is one of seven similar pyramids that were built in different parts of Egypt during this period. The pyramid measures 18.30 meters on each side and currently is about 6.80 meters tall. It has three steps, with an angle of inclination of 78 degrees. The pyramid is oriented to true north, and its base is aligned with the cardinal directions. The pyramid of Seila is one of the best-preserved of the seven small step pyramids. It is made of limestone, and its exterior is covered with a smooth layer of plaster. The pyramid has a small entrance on the north side, which leads to a descending passage that ends in a burial chamber. The burial chamber is empty, and its original contents have been lost. The identity of the pyramid's owner is unknown. Some Egyptologists believe that it ma

The Pyramid of Sinki is a small step pyramid located in the Egyptian town of Sinki, about 7 kilometers south of Abydos. It was built during the late 5th Dynasty (c. 2465-2323 BC) and is one of seven similar pyramids that were built in different parts of Egypt during this period. The pyramid measures 18.20 meters on each side and currently is about 4 meters tall. It has three steps, with an angle of inclination of 80 degrees. The pyramid is oriented to true north, and its base is aligned with the cardinal directions. The pyramid of Sinki is one of the few pyramids that still has the remains of the ramps that were used to build it. These ramps are located on the east and west sides of the pyramid, and they are made of mudbrick. The identity of the pyramid's owner is unknown. Some Egyptologists believe that it may have been built for a local ruler, while others believe that it may have been built for a high-ranking official. The pyramid is not well-preserved, and its interior ha

The Pyramid of Naqada is a small step pyramid located in the Egyptian town of Naqada, about 300 meters north of the ruins of the ancient site of Ombos. It was built during the late 3rd Dynasty (c. 2686-2613 BC) and is one of seven similar pyramids that were built in different parts of Egypt during this period. The pyramid measures 18.39 meters on each side and currently is about 4.5 meters tall. It is not oriented to true north, but 12° to the northeast – in parallel with the course of the Nile. The pyramid consists of a core which measures about 5.75 meters on each side, around which three layers of roughly hewn stone were placed. The pyramid of Naqada is part of a group of seven very similar small step pyramids, which were all erected far from the major centers of Egypt and about which very little is known. The identity of the pyramid's owner is unknown. Some Egyptologists believe that it may have been built for a local ruler, while others believe that it may have been b

The Pyramid of al-Kula is a small step pyramid located in the Egyptian town of Al-Kula, about 6 kilometers north of Hierakonpolis. It was built during the late 6th Dynasty (c. 2345-2181 BC) and is one of seven similar pyramids that were built in different parts of Egypt during this period. The pyramid consists of three steps and has a side length of 18.60 meters. Its height is still 8.25 meters today, although Perring and Vyse measured it in the mid-19th century at 11.75 meters. It consists of a core building with a side length of approximately 10.20 meters, around which two shells of 4.5 ells thickness each are arranged. A special feature of this pyramid is that its corners, and not its sides as is customary in Egyptian pyramids, are aligned with the cardinal directions. The identity of the pyramid's owner is unknown. Some Egyptologists believe that it may have been built for a local ruler, while others believe that it may have been built for a high-ranking official.

The Pyramid of Edfuou is actually called the Edfu South Pyramid. It is one of seven small step pyramids that were built in southern Egypt during the late 3rd Dynasty or early 4th Dynasty, around 2600 BC. The other pyramids are located at Elephantine, el-Kula, Naqada, Saujet el-Meitin, Seila, and Sinki. The Edfu South Pyramid is located about five kilometers south of Edfu near Naga el-Ghoneimeya. It is now about 4.9 meters high and consists of a core structure measuring 8.3 meters on each side, surrounded by two courses of stone about four cubits thick. Dreyer and Kaiser suggested that the pyramid had had three steps. The angle of the slope cannot be accurately determined, but it was probably between 10° and 14°. The pyramid is almost oriented to the north, but is slightly off true north (like the other pyramids named above) as it is primarily oriented in order to be parallel to the Nile. The purpose of the Edfu South Pyramid is not known for sure. It is possible that it was

The Pyramid of Athribis was a small mudbrick pyramid located in the southern Nile Delta, northeast of the modern city of Banha. It was the furthest north of all the pyramids in ancient Egypt and the only known pyramid to have been built in the Delta. The pyramid was built during the late 3rd Dynasty or early 4th Dynasty, around 2600 BC. It was originally about 20 meters tall, but it has now been destroyed and its exact location is unknown. The pyramid was built for a local ruler, but their identity is not known. The purpose of the pyramid is not known for sure. It is possible that it was used as a cult center or as a tomb. The Pyramid of Athribis is a relatively obscure monument, but it is an important part of the history of ancient Egypt. It is one of the few surviving examples of a small mudbrick pyramid, and it provides insights into the funerary practices of the late 3rd and early 4th Dynasties.

The Pyramid of Elephantine is a small step pyramid located on Elephantine Island in Aswan, Egypt. It was built during the Third Dynasty, probably for a local ruler. The pyramid is now only about 5.1 meters tall, but it originally would have had three steps and been about 20 meters tall. It is oriented parallel to the west bank of the island, which leaves it 17° off north, to the west. The pyramid consisted of a core structure which was surrounded by two layers of stone with a thickness of four cubits. The pyramid is part of a group of seven very similar small step pyramids, along with the pyramids at Edfu South, el-Kula, Naqada, Saujet el-Meitin, Seila, and Sinki. All of these were built far from the main centers of Egypt and are very poorly understood. The purpose of the Pyramid of Elephantine is not known for sure. It is possible that it was used as a cult center for the worship of the local god Khnum. Another possibility is that it was a tomb for a local ruler. However, th

The Pyramid of Nyuserre Ini, also known as Neuserre or Niuserre, is an ancient Egyptian pyramid located in the Abusir necropolis, near Cairo, Egypt. Nyuserre Ini was a pharaoh of the 5th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, and he ruled Egypt around 2414–2375 BC (scholarly estimates may vary slightly). Key details about the Pyramid of Nyuserre Ini: Construction: The pyramid was built as the tomb for Pharaoh Nyuserre Ini, and it is one of the smaller pyramids constructed during the 5th Dynasty. Location: The pyramid is part of the Abusir Pyramid Complex, which also includes the pyramids of Sahure, Neferirkare Kakai, and Neferefre. Size and Features: The Pyramid of Nyuserre Ini was constructed with a base measuring around 78.75 meters (approximately 258 feet) on each side. Its original height is not precisely known, but it is estimated to have been around 50-52 meters (164-171 feet) tall. Mortuary Temple: Like other major pyramids, the complex of Nyuserre Ini would have included a mortua

The Pyramid of Neferirkare Kakai is located in the Abusir necropolis, Egypt. It was built for the Fifth Dynasty pharaoh Neferirkare Kakai in the 25th century BC. It was the tallest structure on the highest site at the necropolis of Abusir, found between Giza and Saqqara, and still towers over the necropolis. The pyramid was originally built as a step pyramid, but it was later transformed into a true pyramid by having its steps filled in with loose masonry. The pyramid is 72.8 meters (239 ft) high and 105 meters (344 ft) square at the base. It was built of a mudbrick core covered with a casing of white Tura limestone blocks. The pyramid complex includes a mortuary temple, a valley temple, and a causeway. The mortuary temple is located on the east side of the pyramid and is surrounded by a large enclosure wall. The temple is in ruins, but it once featured a number of reliefs and statues. The valley temple is located on the west side of the pyramid and is connected to the mort

The Buried Pyramid is an unfinished step pyramid located in Saqqara, Egypt. It was built for the pharaoh Sekhemkhet of the Third Dynasty, but was never completed. The pyramid is only about 8 feet tall, and its original height was planned to be 70 feet. The pyramid was discovered in 1952 by the Egyptian archaeologist Zakaria Goneim. The pyramid is surrounded by a large enclosure wall, and there are several mastaba tombs located nearby. The burial chamber of the pyramid is located underground, but it has never been excavated. The cause of the pyramid's unfinished state is unknown. Some scholars believe that Sekhemkhet died before the pyramid could be completed, while others believe that the project was abandoned due to financial or political reasons. The Buried Pyramid is a significant archaeological site, and it provides valuable insights into the construction methods and burial practices of the Third Dynasty. However, the pyramid is still largely unexcavated, and its secre

The Pyramid of Senusret I is located in el-Lisht, Egypt. It was built during the Twelfth Dynasty of Egypt, around 1971 to 1926 BC, and is thought to be the tomb of Pharaoh Senusret I. The pyramid is about 61 meters (201 feet) tall and has a base of 105 meters (344 feet). It is made of mudbricks that were supported by a limestone base. To finish the effect and protect the mud brick insides, the whole structure was encased in an outer layer of limestone. The pyramid has a complex substructure, which includes a burial chamber, a serdab, and a number of other chambers. The burial chamber is located at the base of the pyramid, and it is accessed through a long, sloping passage. The serdab is located on the east side of the pyramid, and it contains a statue of Senusret I. The Pyramid of Senusret I is a well-preserved pyramid, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt. It is also an important archaeological site, and it provides insights into the development of

The Pyramid of Senusret II is located in El-Lahun, Egypt. It was built during the Twelfth Dynasty of Egypt, around 1897 to 1878 BC, and is thought to be the tomb of Pharaoh Senusret II. The pyramid is about 50 meters (164 feet) tall and has a base of 106 meters (348 feet). It is made of mudbricks that were supported by a limestone base. To finish the effect and protect the mud brick insides, the whole structure was encased in an outer layer of limestone. The pyramid has a complex substructure, which includes a burial chamber, a serdab, and a number of other chambers. The burial chamber is located at the base of the pyramid, and it is accessed through a long, sloping passage. The serdab is located on the east side of the pyramid, and it contains a statue of Senusret II. The Pyramid of Senusret II is a well-preserved pyramid, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt. It is also an important archaeological site, and it provides insights into the development

Sure, the Layer Pyramid, also known as the Pyramid of Khaba, is a ruined step pyramid located in the necropolis of Zawyet El Aryan, Egypt. It was built during the 3rd Dynasty of Egypt, around 2600 BC, and is thought to be the tomb of Pharaoh Khaba. The pyramid is about 17 meters (56 feet) tall and has a base of 84 meters (276 feet). It is made of mudbricks that were arranged in layers, over a base layer of rough bedrock blocks. The pyramid was never finished, and it is unclear whether it was abandoned due to Khaba's death or for some other reason. The Layer Pyramid is a relatively small pyramid, but it is still an important archaeological site. It provides insights into the development of pyramid construction in Egypt, and it is also one of the few pyramids that can be attributed to a specific pharaoh. The pyramid was originally planned to be about 42 to 45 meters (138 to 148 ft) tall, but it was only completed to about half of its intended height. The pyramid is located on

The Pyramid of Sahure, also known as the Pyramid of Sahura, is an ancient Egyptian pyramid located in the Abusir necropolis, near Cairo, Egypt. It was built during the Fifth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom and served as the tomb for Pharaoh Sahure (also spelled Sahura), who ruled Egypt from approximately 2487 to 2475 BCE. Pharaoh Sahure was the second ruler of the Fifth Dynasty, and his pyramid is one of the smaller ones built during that era. Nevertheless, it remains an important archaeological site and a testament to the architectural and engineering skills of ancient Egypt. Some key features of the Pyramid of Sahure are: Design: The pyramid has a square base with sides measuring about 78.75 meters (approximately 258 feet). Its original height is estimated to have been around 47 meters (154 feet), though much of the outer casing and the upper structure are now missing. Mortuary Temple: Like other pyramids in Egypt, the Pyramid of Sahure was accompanied by a mortuary temple, which