Overview:

Pyramid of Khendjer is the last pyramid built in the 13th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, located at South Saqqara, not far from the Step Pyramid of Djoser. It is believed to have been built by the Pharaoh Khendjer, who reigned from ca. 1760 BCE to 1759 BCE. The pyramid is of a characteristic 'true' pyramid style and measure around 50.4 metres (165.3 feet) at its base, and rises to around 38.5 meters (126.3 feet) in height, making it one of the smallest pyramids in Egypt. The interior comprises a single, low chamber, located directly beneath the pyramid's apex and containing a large sarcophagus and a subsidiary burial chamber to the east. The structure is surrounded by a ruined enclosure wall and is accessible via a channel dug through the north face of the pyramid. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

1. Unique Shape: The Pyramid of Khendjer is one of the few true four-sided pyramids in Egypt, with its base dimensions of 118 meters (387 ft) and its height of 43.5 meters (143 ft). 2. Corridor and Chamber: The pyramid contains an entrance corridor and a burial chamber with four pillars. 3. Stepped Core: The construction technique used for this pyramid is more primitive than other Egyptian pyramids, as it has a stepped core, which is not used in true pyramids. 4. Hieroglyphic Inscriptions: Hieroglyphic inscriptions on the walls are the only surviving ancient records of the pyramid's construction. 5. Roof Decline: The pyramid is in a state of advanced decline, with the roof of the entrance corridor now collapsed. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

The Pyramid of Khendjer is an Eighth Dynasty pyramid located in the necropolis of Saqqara, an archaeological complex in Egypt. It was built for Pharaoh Khendjer, who reigned during the Second Intermediate Period, c.1760–1759BC. At 33.7 meters high, Khendjer's pyramid was smaller and less substantial than the pyramids built during the Old and Middle Kingdom periods. Only the entrance and burial chamber were constructed, and the pyramid was not surrounded by a mortuary temple. It was the last pyramid built in Saqqara, and followed the shift away from large pyramids and towards smaller, less ornate monuments. Khendjer's pyramid began to be explored by archaeologists in the 19th century, with slight further explorations taking place in the 20th. The most extensive discoveries occurred in 2010, when archaeologists unearthed the remains of the entrance and burial chamber, as well as a sarcophagus and canopic jars. It was the first time ancient burial items from such a period were discovered in a pyramid in Saqqara. Khendjer's pyramid appears to have been damaged in antiquity and was later used as a source of building material. This damage was likely caused by a combination of natural forces and looting. During the 2010 excavations, the team discovered granite stones stolen from the pyramid, likely to have been reused as building material elsewhere. The remains of a mudbrick pyramid attached to the south side of Khendjer's pyramid was also discovered during the 2010 excavations. It is unknown who built this pyramid; it is possible that it was built later by priests of the mortuary cults or simply locals in the area. The Pyramid of Khendjer is a unique example of the shift towards smaller, simpler monuments that occurred at the end of Egypt's Old and Middle Kingdom Period. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Pyramid of Khendjer is the smallest pyramid to be built in the 13th Dynasty of Egyptian pyramids. 2. Despite its size, the Pyramid of Khendjer contained a wealth of artifacts, including ushabti figurines, pottery fragments, adult and child burials, two portcullises, a mummy sarcophagus, and a wall inscription. 3. The Pyramid of Khendjer was originally constructed by Pharaoh Khendjer’s father, Pharaoh Sobekhotep IV in the 13th Dynasty, between 1855 and 1825 B.C. 4. The Pyramid of Khendjer measured 43 feet in height and its base was a square of 98 feet. 5. Although one of the 13th Dynasty pyramids, the Pyramid of Khendjer stands out as unusual because of its unique internal design. It has five stepped terraces, in a layout that is often described as reminiscent of a Mayan stepped pyramid. 6. In comparison with the other Dynastic pyramids, the Pyramid of Khendjer has also an unusually narrow entrance, as well as a single door, while the other pyramids in the area have two passages. 7. The Pyramid of Khendjer is thought to be the burial place of either Pharaoh Khendjer or a member of the royal family but the premises inside have yet to be fully excavated. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era