Tag Archives: pyramid of King Snefru

Remains of a mysterious 3,700-year-old structure near Cairo

 

  • The remains were discovered near the well-known pyramid of King Snefru
  • Among the findings were a stone engraved with 10 lines of hieroglyphics
  • Blocks of stones and the beginning of a corridor were also discovered

The remains of an Egyptian pyramid built around 3,700 years ago have been discovered near the well-known bent pyramid of King Snefru.

The pyramid from the 13th dynasty was found in Dahshur’s royal necropolis, 20 miles (30 kilometres) south of Cairo.

Excavations are still in their early stages, but experts believe that the pyramid may have been ancient Egypt’s first attempt to build a smooth-sided pyramid.

The remains of an Egyptian pyramid built around 3,700 years ago have been discovered near the well-known bent pyramid of King Snefru. The remains of an Egyptian pyramid built around 3,700 years ago have been discovered near the well-known bent pyramid of King Snefru. 

In a statement, Adel Okahsa, director general at the necropolis, said: ‘An alabaster… block engraved with 10 vertical hieroglyphic lines’ was among the finds.

He added that a ‘granite lintel and stony blocks showing the interior design of the pyramid’ were also found.

Excavation is still in its early stages and the size of the pyramid has not yet been established.

Due to the bent slope of its sides, the pyramid is believed to have been ancient Egypt’s first attempt to build a smooth-sided pyramid.

Blocks of stones and the beginning of a corridor which were discovered are shown in photos provided by the ministry.

‘All the discovered parts of the pyramid are in very good condition and further excavation is to take place to reveal more parts,’ the ministry said.

Blocks of stones and the beginning of a corridor which were discovered are shown in photos provided by the ministry

Blocks of stones and the beginning of a corridor which were discovered are shown in photos provided by the ministry

Egypt, home of one of the world’s earliest civilisations, boasts 123 ancient pyramids.

They include the world-famous Pyramids of Giza, constructed around 4,500 years ago.

The Khufu pyramid is the largest of the three in Giza, standing at 146 metres, and the only surviving structure of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Khufu and Khafre in Giza along with the Bent and Red pyramids in Dahshur are part of Operation ScanPyramids, with teams scanning the structures in search of hidden rooms and cavities.

In a statement, Adel Okahsa, director general at the necropolis, said: 'An alabaster... block engraved with 10 vertical hieroglyphic lines' was among the findsIn a statement, Adel Okahsa, director general at the necropolis, said: ‘An alabaster… block engraved with 10 vertical hieroglyphic lines’ was among the finds

The pyramid from the 13th dynasty was found in Dahshur's royal necropolis, 20 miles (30 kilometres) south of CairoThe pyramid from the 13th dynasty was found in Dahshur’s royal necropolis, 20 miles (30 kilometres) south of Cairo

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