Pyramid of Sahure

The Pyramid of Sahure is an Ancient Egyptian pyramid located in Abusir, Egypt. The pyramid was built during the fifth dynasty by pharaoh Sahure.Lehner, M. (1997b). "The Complete Pyramids." (London:Thames and Hudson Ltd.) ISBN 0-500-05084-8] The pyramid was known in ancient Egyptian as "Sahure's soul shines" and was one of the first pyramids built in its locale. In antiquity the pyramid was famous for its art, and it is now recognized as a milestone in ancient Egyptian tomb architecture.Winston, Alan. [http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/sahurep.htm "The Pyramid of Sahure at Abusir".] "Tour Egypt". Accessed July 25, 2008.]

Construction

Sahure's pyramid was constructed of roughly cut limestone blocks. To allow entrance to the burial chamber a level entrance passage, which was later plugged with granite portcullises, was left open at the north side. When completed the pyramid was 47m (155 ft high and 78.75m (258.4 ft) along each side with a slope of 50°.

The complex

The surrounding complex for the pyramid included a single satellite pyramid and a mortuary temple constructed of black basalt, red sandstone, and limestone. The walls of the mortuary temple were covered in an estimated 10,000 square meters (or about 107,640 square feet) of fine relief carving. The complex also included a 235m (771 ft) long causeway from the pyramid to the shores of lake Abusir.

The mortuary temple is well preserved. [ [http://egyptphoto.ncf.ca/pyramid%20of%20sahure.htm "The Pyramid of Sahure".] ]

Excavation

In the 19^th century the pyramid was excavated by both Pering and Karl Richard Lepsius but little detailed excavation was undertaken at this time. A complete excavation was undertaken from 1902 till 1908 by Ludwig Borchardt. Borchardt would later write two volumes about the pyramid and his excavations.

References