Overview:

is an unfinished step pyramid built for the 13th dynasty pharaoh Khendjer, located in the necropolis at the ancient city of Memphis (modern Saqqara), Egypt. The structure originally stood about 55 metres (180 feet) tall and had a base length of more than 68 metres (223 feet). Its core is built with uncut stones and rubble encased in limestone and is estimated to have been constructed in the early part of the thirteenth century BC. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

1. Mortuary Temple: The Pyramid of Khendjer at Saqqara is attributed to Pharaoh Khendjer of the 13th Dynasty, and contains a small Mortuary Temple. It is believed that this temple was used to provide offerings to Khendjer's ka—his spiritual essence—in the afterlife. 2. Step Pyramid: The Pyramid of Khendjer at Saqqara is a step pyramid, making it one of the earliest examples of this, and its unique design features three distinct levels of stone steps. The stepped structure was designed with masonry surrounding the remains of a small mastaba, an early form of tomb which was typically made of mud-brick. 3. Relief Sculptures: The sides of the Pyramid of Khendjer feature a number of relief sculptures. These include the symbol of Khnum, the ram-headed God of the Nile, as well as scenes depicting boats transporting offerings. In addition, Roman graffiti has also been found on the outside walls of the pyramid. 4. Exterior: The exterior of the Pyramid of Khendjer is made of limestone, and much of the original wall has survived. It is believed that it was originally decorated with paint and stucco. 5. Interior: Inside the pyramid, visitors will find an interesting mix of both original and reconstructed features. Of particular interest is the chamber at the bottom of the pyramid, which contains the sarcophagus where the pharaoh was laid to rest. This chamber has been recently restored to its former glory. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

The Pyramid of Khendjer, located at the necropolis of Saqqara in Egypt, is believed to have been built during the 13th century BC, during the reign of Pharaoh Khendjer of the 13th Dynasty. It was constructed near the much older step pyramid, believed to have been built by Pharaoh Djoser of the 3rd Dynasty. With an estimated original height of 56 meters (183.68 feet) atop its ten-layered base, the Pyramid of Khendjer is considered the largest of all the Middle Kingdom pyramids in Egypt, surpassed only by the great pyramids of Giza. The pyramid is thought to have taken around 15 years to build and would have been an impressive feat of engineering and design for its time. Its square-shaped base contains a central burial chamber, with the surrounding cornerstones built in a more inwardly-angled slope than contemporary pyramids, allowing for more room in the higher layers for sacrificial offerings and priests’ chambers. The Pyramid of Khendjer would have originally been covered in smooth white limestone tiles, which would have gleamed in the sun like all the other primordial structures of Saqqara, but these were mostly removed during the Ptolemaic period and replaced with crude bricklaying. Today, the Pyramid of Khendjer is a popular tourist spot and archaeological destination. Visitors can walk or climb up the steps to the nearby summit and explore the still-intact interiors of the structure. Much of its original luster has been lost due to erosion, though its imposing size still speaks for its impressive magnitude. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

• The pyramid is the tomb of Pharaoh Khendjer, the 13th ruler of the 13th dynasty of Ancient Egypt (approx. 1700 BC). • The pyramid is one of the best-preserved monuments from this period. • The pyramid has a base of 102 meters by 103 meters and rises to a height of 58 meters. • The entrance to the pyramid is on the north face, which is decorated with a false door and a chapel. • The pyramid is made of limestone blocks and features a mud-brick substructure, believed to be the burial chamber. • Inside the pyramid, a series of descending corridors lead to a burial chamber, where a sarcophagus with Khendjer's mummy was found. • The pyramid also contained several statuettes, burial furniture, and other artifacts. • The pyramid is surrounded by a wall, the ruins of which are still visible today. • As of 2017, the pyramid is undergoing stabilization and restoration work in order to preserve it for future generations. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era