pink pyramid- the third tallest pyramid ancient egypt and the highest among all the buildings of the southern necropolis, located near Dakhshur, 26 km. from Cairo. Nearby was the first capital of a united Egypt - Memphis.

Sneferu, the great builder of Egypt

The construction of the Pink Pyramid is attributed to the XXVI BC, the time of the reign of Pharaoh Snefru, the father of Cheops (ruled in 2613-2589 BC). His name is found several times on the walls of the pyramid rooms and on parts of facing slabs found nearby. Sneferu became famous as a statesman, a talented military leader, he led large-scale construction throughout the country and remained in the memory of subsequent generations as an ideal ruler. But his main merit to his descendants is the beginning of the construction of huge pyramids of the classical form, while the previous ones were stepped and much smaller.

In general, during the reign of Sneferu, the construction of two pyramids, Pink and Broken, also located near Dahshur, began. Scientists have not yet given an answer to the question why the pharaoh needed to build two tombs.

Snefere is also credited with building the step pyramid at Meidum. He actually expanded and completed this tomb, but its construction was conceived and started under his predecessor Huni.

What is a pyramid

The pink pyramid is the most correct and perfect structure of this type, almost an exact geometrically isosceles triangle. This gives it an amazing harmony. Its height is 104.4 m., the dimensions of the base are 218.5 x 221.5 m. Externally, the Pink Pyramid noticeably differs from its congeners in a lower slope of the faces - 43 ° 22 "against the 51 ° -52" accepted later as a standard. The total volume of construction is 1.694.000 cubic meters. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest building in the world.

The pyramid got its name from the color of the stone from which it is built - in the rays of the setting sun, the blocks become pinkish. But this is not a consequence of the architect's intention. Initially, the faces were lined with white limestone slabs, but in the Middle Ages, almost all of the facing was removed and used to build houses in Cairo. Only a small number of plates have survived at the very surface of the earth. The main material of the pyramid has a natural pinkish tint.

Interior spaces

The entrance to the tomb is at a level of about 28 m. Near the entrance there is a stone, which, according to the Egyptians, is a restored pyramidion, which crowned the entire structure in ancient times. However, scientists reject this possibility, since the size of the stone is too small for such a huge monument as the Pink Pyramid.

From the entrance, a narrow and low descending corridor 62 meters long leads deep into the pyramid. Its height and width is a little over a meter. The passage leads to three consecutive chambers, two of which are at ground level, and the third in the thickness of the masonry. The ceilings of the first two chambers are stepped, tapering upwards, their height is 12 meters. The chambers are connected by low narrow passages, which were apparently hidden in antiquity. Many researchers believe that the two chambers were designed to divert the attention of the robbers from the third, real burial room of the pharaoh. It is much more spacious than the first two, and the ceiling height reaches 17 meters.

However, all precautions turned out to be unnecessary, since, according to archaeologists, no one was ever buried in the Pink Pyramid, and it was already completed in the reign of Cheops 10 years after the death of Sneferu. But, one way or another, the robbers got to the third cell, the floor of which was badly damaged. Apparently, the attackers were looking for other secret rooms. This could have happened in the 23rd century BC, during the period of anarchy, when almost all the significant tombs of the Old Kingdom were looted.

Some written sources state that the original plan provided for the construction of an entire burial complex, similar to the one built near the Bent Pyramid. It is even reported that a mortuary temple was erected, but archaeologists did not find any traces of it. But the Pink Pyramid looks great even without satellites and is one of the most remarkable monuments of the ancient Egyptian civilization.

The pink pyramid is called a unique building. After all, this building is the first attempt to build a classical pyramid, and its design also differs from the structure of the Great Pyramids of Giza. A unique feature of the Pink Pyramids is the low slope of the walls, practically this pyramid can be called a regular isosceles triangle. And the Pink Pyramid is located in Dahshur, it is only 26 kilometers from Cairo. Stone giants are located in this small village. Many pyramids used to be located here, however, only the Pink and Bent Pyramids have survived to this day. However, they are priceless historical monuments. Note that the Pink Pyramid is called the most accurate and "correct" pyramid. Compare it with .

Features of the Pink Pyramid

Today, the Pink Pyramid ranks third in height, it is 104.4 meters. As for the name, the limestone of the pyramid during sunset has a pink tint, which is why it is called the Pink Pyramid. However, originally the pyramid was covered with white shining limestone. But in the Middle Ages it was removed, most likely for the construction of houses. Among tourists, the Dahshur burial complex is quite a popular place. Therefore, the Pink Pyramid attracts to itself. In addition, there is no entrance fee, which increases its popularity. However, there is a high concentration of ammonia, so care must be taken. Very interesting for tourists.

The pink pyramid is distinguished by its unique construction technology and the resulting shape. By the way, the quality of construction can only be compared with the Bent Pyramid. The pink pyramid is not only an ancient, but also a mysterious structure. Experts still cannot solve the riddle of this pyramid. It is believed that the construction of the Pink Pyramid is associated with Pharaoh Sneferu. However, they say so only because a couple of inscriptions were found on the facing slabs, where the name of this pharaoh appears. Also, this ancient building is considered the largest building of the Dahshur necropolis. Tourists are advised to visit

Data
Location	Dahshur
Customer	Sneferu
Construction time	IV dynasty (~2640 to ~2620 BC)
Type	Pyramid
Construction material	Limestone
Base size	220 m
Height (originally)	109.5 m
Altitude (today)	104 m
Volume	1.694.000 m³
Incline	43° 22"
iconic pyramid	No
Pyramids of queens	No

pink pyramid or the Northern Pyramid - the largest of the three great pyramids located on the territory of the Dakhshur necropolis. The name is associated with the color of stone blocks, which acquire a pink color in the rays of the setting sun. It is the third tallest pyramid in Egypt, after Khufu and Khafre at Giza. The Pink Pyramid did not always have its current color. Previously, its walls were covered with white limestone. But at present, white limestone is almost completely absent, since even in the Middle Ages a significant part of it was removed for the construction of houses in Cairo, as a result of which pinkish limestone was exposed. This pyramid is attributed to Sneferu, as his name was found inscribed in red paint on several facing blocks.

Northern Pyramid of Pharaoh Snefru in Dahshur, at the time of its construction in the 26th century. BC e. was the tallest building on earth. It is also considered the world's first successful attempt to build a "real" isosceles pyramid (has the correct stereometric pyramidal shape), although the angle of its sides has an error of only 43 ° 22 "compared to the late norm of 51 ° 52". In addition, it has an extremely low slope of the walls (the base is 218.5 × 221.5 m at a height of 104.4 m). The volume of the pyramid is 1,694,000 m³. The entrance through the sloping passage on the north side leads down to three adjacent chambers, about 17 meters high, which are accessible to the public.

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Part of the protruding walls forming the vault in the main burial chamber.

South side of the Pink Pyramid.

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Entrance to the Pink Pyramid.

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Diagram of the Pink Pyramid at Dahshur.

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Diagram of the interior of the pyramid.

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Stone blocks of the Pink Pyramid.

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Start of restoration work.

Inside Snofru's Red Pyramid.jpg

Descending corridor.

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View of the ceiling in the chambers of the pyramid.

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Hidden passage from the first to the second burial chamber.

Severe floor damage.

see also

• The Bent Pyramid is another Sneferu pyramid in Dahshur.
• Luxor Las Vegas is a very similar modern pyramid in Las Vegas.

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Notes

Coordinates :

View this template ancient kingdom (2686-2181 BC) 1st transitional period (2181–2040 BC) middle kingdom (2040-1650 BC)

An excerpt characterizing the Pink Pyramid

I entered the gate and greeted a little thin old woman who was sitting there alone and thinking about something very detached.
The day was pleasant, sunny and warm, although autumn was already quite confident in the yard. A light breeze rustled in the last remaining leaves, spreading around the juicy smell of honey, mushrooms and the earth heated by the last rays of the sun... As it should have been, a kind, deep, “golden” silence reigned in this peaceful place of Eternal Peace…
As usual, I sat down on my grandfather's bench and began to tell him all my latest news. I knew that it was stupid and that he, even with my greatest desire, could not hear me in any way (because his essence had lived in me since the day of his death), but I missed him so much and constantly, that I allowed myself this tiny, harmless illusion in order to regain, at least for a brief moment, that wonderful connection that I had until now had only with him alone.
So quietly and peacefully “talking” with my grandfather, I did not notice at all how the same miniature old woman approached me and sat next to me on a small stump. How long she stayed with me like that, I don't know. But when I returned to “normal reality”, I saw radiant, not at all senile, blue eyes looking at me affectionately, as if asking if I needed any help ...
- Oh, forgive me, grandmother, I didn’t even notice when you came up! I said, very embarrassed.
Usually it was difficult to approach me unnoticed - some inner sense of self-defense always worked. But such boundless kindness emanated from this warm, sweet old woman that, apparently, all my “protective instincts” slowed down ...
“I’m talking to my grandfather…” I said embarrassedly.
“And don’t be ashamed, dear,” the old woman shook her head, “you have a giving soul, this happiness is great and rare. Don't be ashamed.
I looked with all my eyes at this puny and very unusual old woman, not at all understanding what she was talking about, but for some reason feeling absolute and complete trust in her. She sat down next to me, affectionately hugged me with her old, dry, but very warm hand, and unexpectedly smiled very brightly:
“Don’t worry, honey, everything will be fine. Just don’t rush to find out the answers to everything… it’s still too early for you, because in order to get answers, you must first know the right questions… And they haven’t matured for you yet…
Only after many years did I manage to understand what this strange, wise old woman really wanted to say. But then I only listened to her very carefully, trying to remember every word, so that later more than once I would “scroll” in my memory everything that was not understood (but, as I felt, it was very important for me) and try to catch at least a grain of what could help me in my eternally ongoing "search" ...
“I took on too heavy a load - you’ll break down ...” the old woman continued calmly, and I realized that she meant my contacts with the dead. – Not all people are worth it, dear, some must pay for their deeds, otherwise they will begin to believe for no reason that they are already worthy of forgiveness, and then your good will only bring evil ... Remember, my girl, good should always be SMART. Otherwise, it is no longer good at all, but simply an echo of your heart or desire, which does not necessarily coincide with who the person you have gifted is truly.

"Pink Pyramid"

The Northern, or "Pink" (less often referred to as "red") pyramid of Dahshur is the first royal tomb of a regular stereometric pyramidal shape (although the angle of its side with an error is only 43 degrees 36 minutes, in contrast to later norms - 51 degrees 52 minutes) and its name is associated with the color of the facing stone, which turns pink in the rays of the setting sun. The entrance through the sloping passage on the north side descends into three adjoining chambers, all filled with stones and inaccessible. This pyramid was attributed to Sneferu because his name is inscribed in red paint on several blocks of sheathing.

Although the "pink" tomb is the first "true" pyramid, it is characterized by an extremely low slope of the walls (the base is 218.5 × 221.5 m at a height of 104.4 m). This is one of the largest pyramids, in size it is second only to the pyramids of Khufu and Khafre. The entrance through the sloping passage on the north side descended into three adjoining chambers, all filled with stones and inaccessible. This pyramid was attributed to Sneferu because his name was inscribed in red paint on several blocks of plating. The pyramids of Sneferu in Dahshur were an ensemble of similar and complementary buildings called Ha-Sneferu (“Shining Sneferu” or “Sneferu rises”).

Pyramids at Meidum and Sale

And, finally, the pyramid at Meidum (146 × 146 m, height 118 m). At the end of the 5th dynasty, the Meidum monument under the name of Djed-Sneferu functioned in parallel with the Sneferu mortuary complex in Dahshur, since, according to the papyrus from the Abusir archive, it was a supplier of products to the mortuary temple of King Neferirkare. The identification of Djed Snofru with the Meidum monument is confirmed by an inscription on a statuette of the Middle Kingdom - discovered in the eastern sanctuary - which mentions the gods that are in Djed Snofru. Numerous New Kingdom graffiti left in the same sanctuary show that Meidum became a sacred place of pilgrimage. The total volume of these pyramids (3,682,500 m3) far exceeds the volume Great Pyramid in Giza (2600,000 m3), which allows us to consider Snefru the greatest builder of the Old Kingdom.

As a result of excavations at the step pyramid, usually attributed to the 3rd dynasty, taking into account its stepped form, at Sale, located exactly 10 km. west of Meidum, on the eastern border of the Faiyum, the name Sneferu was discovered at the site of a religious building. Items cleared include a limestone stele with the Choir's name inscribed and a cartouche of Snefru, an alabaster figurine of the king, and an offering table with three round containers, also made of alabaster. This means that the pyramid of four, or even five steps in Sale was built in the time of Sneferu. Apparently, the step pyramid in Sale symbolized the supreme power of Sneferu near one of his residences, or was a cenotaph.

The various monuments of Sneferu in Dahshur, Meidum and Sale, with temples and roads, represent a gigantic volume of almost 4,000,000 m3 of stones. It follows that Snofru needed to obtain a large amount of labor using peasants and captured Nubian captives. Sneferu fortified the kingdom and left it as a legacy to his son Cheops, who increased his father's achievements and reached the zenith of Old Kingdom architecture by building a pyramid on the plateau at El Giza.

At the same time, it is obvious that the Sneferu construction program practically absorbed the entire labor force available in Egypt: several thousand people had to be brought from neighboring countries to work on construction sites, and an enormous effort was required from the entire Egyptian people. Hundreds of thousands of animals were brought to Egypt to transport stones, as well as to feed the country. Despite this, Sneferu remained in the memory of the people as a "benevolent" king. Middle Kingdom literature and later tradition saw Snefru as the ideal ruler, extolling his stubbornness in contrast to his son and successor, the despotic Khufu (Cheops). The existence of the cult of Sneferu is mentioned even under the Ptolemies.

December 14, 2015

There are still no exact answers to many mysteries of world historical monuments. The breathtaking beauty of the unique echoes of antiquity and exciting adventures inside the pyramids attract tourists from all over the world. Everyone wants to touch a piece of something unknown.

Masterpiece of world history

The pink pyramid, which occupies the third place in height, is located on the territory of the Dahshur necropolis. Unfortunately, not all stone giants have survived to this day, and it is all the more interesting to observe a historical monument that time has spared. It is called the most correct and perfect pyramid, which was built as an isosceles triangle.

Pink pyramid: interesting facts

There are several versions of scientists regarding the name of the ancient historical monument. Some believe that the original white limestone was removed for plastering rooms in Cairo, and as a result of this, a stone with an unusual delicate color was exposed. Others consider the version that the pyramid acquired such a feature over time: the rock, consisting of shells, crumbled under the influence of prolonged showers and sunlight, and now tourists observe the unique color of the structure that distinguishes it from others. By the way, many who visited the ancient place say that in fact, the pink pyramid in Egypt acquires such a bright shining shade only in the rays of the setting sun.

Interestingly, at the very base of the tomb, the white limestone lining is still visible, and the neighboring building looks untouched. Scientists cannot explain such oddities in any way.

Two tombs of Sneferu

It is believed that the history of the pyramid goes back to the reign of the pharaoh from the Sneferu dynasty. However, there is no exact answer, because scientists make such a conclusion based on several plates on which this name is engraved. Until now, archaeologists are struggling with the secrets of the burial of the pharaoh and the internal structure of the historical monument.

Interestingly, there are two pyramids of Sneferu: pink (northern) and white (southern). The latter is also called a broken line because of its strange shape, in which the top seems to be cut off, and the structure itself visually resembles a rhombus. The pink pyramid of Sneferu shows the world built of massive blocks without the use of any solution ancient building which has retained its original appearance to this day.

Mysteries of the tombs

One of the mysteries that scientists have to unravel: why, at the behest of the pharaoh, were two pyramids erected? After all, it was very difficult to build such massive structures, consisting of multi-ton blocks, in ancient times. Not every place was allowed to build burial complexes, the choice depended on many reasons and conditions. Giant giants keep history and are symbols of the greatness of the country. Archaeologists have an opinion that the pink pyramid was just started, but did not have time to complete Snefru, and his son, Cheops, finished erecting the ancient monument.

Findings of archaeologists

The pink pyramid has always attracted scientists, and in the 1950s, archaeologists from Egypt discovered massive colonnades inside it, a huge lobby with a courtyard, and several statues of Pharaoh Snefru himself. Due to the fact that the constructions of the two tombs are technically verified, they did not collapse like many others, but for forty-six centuries they were reliably connected by their weight.

For a fascinating journey to the burial complex, tourists rise to a height of more than 20 meters. They get here as part of excursion groups or on their own by car from Cairo. Entrance to the tomb, by the way, is free, but there are certain restrictions on the number of visitors.

To be guaranteed to get to the necropolis, you should wake up early and come here in the morning. At this time, the sun's rays still do not burn so much. It is necessary to stock up on drinking water, because the journey is going to be exciting and difficult.

Local guides warn that the difficult path is not for small children, and it is best not to take them with you to the stone buildings. Before starting the hike, all tourists put on gauze bandages to protect themselves from the pungent smell of ammonia in the walls of the tomb. Those suffering from respiratory diseases and fear of closed space should stop at the sightseeing outside.

In front of the entrance to the tomb there is an interesting stone - a pyramidon, now restored, but previously split into pieces. According to the Egyptians, it has been preserved since ancient times and was located at the very top of the tomb. But scientists refute this version, believing that it is clearly too small in size for such a huge ancient monument as the pink pyramid. A photo of the stone is shown below.

Historical monument tombs

The entrance to the oldest building begins with an extremely narrow corridor leading to three adjacent rooms - tombs. It is impossible to walk on it in full growth, therefore all movements are made only in a slightly bent position. Guides even offer to stock up on knee pads to periodically rest and not get your clothes dirty.

The elements located inside the premises keep traces of all archaeological excavations and minor cosmetic repairs. It is believed that the first two rooms, located at ground level, were made solely in order to protect the real tomb of the pharaoh, carved in stone, from robbers. You should not hope that you will see all kinds of jewelry and household items, because the pink pyramid, like all others, was looted. This is where the journey ends, you have to return through the same meter passage.

Numerous secrets of the pyramids have not yet been solved. Called to amaze with their unique beauties, they are priceless monuments of the world. Let's hope that the new generation will reveal inaccessible secrets, but for now let's enjoy the unique views of the masterpieces of the Ancient World.