Dahshur Necropolis

Dahshur Necropolis
Dahshur is a royal necropolis, known above all for two pyramids that are among the oldest, largest and best preserved in Egypt. They were built around 2613-2589 BC. The Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid were built during the reign of the pharaoh Sneferu. The Bent Pyramid is a true smooth-sided pyramid.

The 12th-dynasty pyramid of Amenemhat is now very seriously damaged, and beside it several tombs of royal women were found, containing a large quantity of jewellery. The pyramid of Senwosret III was part of a powerful complex made up of several smaller pyramids of royal women, along with other pyramids to the south. The Black Pyramid dates from the reign of Amenemhat III; although it is somewhat ruined, it remains one of the most impressive monuments. The polished granite pyramidion, or capstone of the Black Pyramid, is on display in the main hall of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Several other pyramids of the 13th dynasty were also built at Dahshur.

The Pyramid of Sneferu at Dahshur (the Red Pyramid)
Sneferu, a ruler of the 4th dynasty, built two large pyramids at Dahshur. The first, known as the "Bent Pyramid", is in the southern part of the necropolis. The second, about 4 km to the north, is known as the "Red Pyramid". It is thought that construction began in the 30th year of the reign of Sneferu, and the dates in the building marks on the blocks of the Red Pyramid proved very important, giving a clear picture of the time it took to build the pyramid.
The name "Red Pyramid" comes from the colour of the limestone used in its construction. Each side of the Red Pyramid is 220 m long, and its original height was 104 m.

The Pyramid of Sneferu at Dahshur - the Bent Pyramid
Sneferu probably began his pyramid-building career by trying to finish the monument of his father (Huni) at Meidum. It seems he abandoned that work for a time and moved his workers to Dahshur, where they began to build another pyramid, named the "Bent Pyramid" because of its shape. It lies about 3 km west of the modern village of Dahshur.
If it had been completed as planned, it would have been the largest pyramid in Egypt. The base of the structure was about 189 m long and the height 105 m. During construction the plan was changed when the architects realised that the angle of inclination was too steep, which led to a reduction in both the angle and the height.
The Bent Pyramid is unique, with two entrances: one on the northern side about 12 metres above the ground, and the other on the western side, about 30 m above the base.

The Pyramid of Amenemhat II at Dahshur - the White Pyramid
Amenemhat II Nubkaure was the son of Senwosret I, the third king of the 12th dynasty, who chose Dahshur for his pyramid. The monument is now somewhat scattered through the erosion of the mud brick. It is known as the "White Pyramid" - its casing of white limestone was removed by robbers and revealed the framework of the limestone core, which gave the pyramid its name.
Behind the pyramid, intact burials of Princess Ita, Itweret and Queen Khnemet were discovered, as well as the tombs of Prince Amenemhetankh and Princess Sithathormeret. The burials of Ita and Khnemet in particular revealed rich jewellery treasures, which can now be admired on display in the Cairo Museum.

The Pyramid of Amenemhat III at Dahshur - the Black Pyramid
The Black Pyramid stands about 2 km east of the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur. Looking at it, it appears more like a rock than the remains of a pyramid. The monument of Amenemhat III, with a base side of 104.2 m and a height of 75 m, was built of dark, unbaked mud brick.
The pyramid is surrounded by two walls of mud brick, plastered over. A characteristic feature of the Black Pyramid is the tombs of members of the royal family.