Overview:

The Pyramid of Djedefptah is an ancient Egyptian pyramid located in the necropolis of Saqqara. It is believed to have been built during the reign of Pharaoh Djedefptah (c. 2181-2170 BC) of the 4th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. The pyramid is small for a pharaoh’s burial monument, and the location and design of the pyramid make it an important architectural and historical structure. The Pyramid of Djedefptah features three stepped sections that culminate in a smooth-sided, square pinnacle, a structure similar to those found in other Pyramid Complexes of the period. The dimensions of the pyramid are relatively modest at 15.9 meters (52 feet) in height and 43 feet square, making it much smaller than the nearby Pyramid of Djoser. It is surrounded by a 20-meter (65-feet) wide enclosure wall and is believed to have once been decorated with stone and limestone. The pyramid was originally thought to have been built by Djedefptah’s successor, Khafre, but recent archaeological studies suggest that the pyramid dates back to Djedefptah’s time. The Pyramid of Djedefptah has been the subject of several archaeological surveys and excavations. Inside the pyramid lies a complex, subsurface space including narrow service areas and four separate chambers. Excavations have also revealed a possible causeway and a small altar. The presence of nearby mastabas would suggest the possibility of further burials and tombs within the pyramid. The Pyramid of Djedefptah is an important structure for understanding the history and evolution of pyramid architecture and construction. Because of its unique design, it may have served as an inspiration for the later “step pyramid” designs that were to become a hallmark of Old Kingdom architectural innovation. It stands as a reminder of the skill of the ancient architects and contributes to the understanding of the development of the pyramid complex during the Old Kingdom. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

•The Pyramid of Djedefptah is located near Saqqara in Egypt and is believed to have been built by Pharaoh Djedefre around 2450 BC. •The pyramid is approximately 55 meters square and 30 meters high and is the best preserved monument in the Memphite necropolis. •The pyramid has a unique flat roof, rather than the more common pointed one, and is decorated with red granite from both upper and lower Egypt. •The pyramid is also believed to have had six false doors that were designed to confuse grave-robbers and protect the pharaoh’s tomb. •It also contains hieroglyphics which tell of the pharaoh’s glory, accomplishments and legend. •The pyramid is surrounded by a rectangular enclosure wall made from limestone. •The entrance to the pyramid is on the east side, while on the western façade there is an interesting false door which has led researchers to believe that it contained a secret chamber. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

The Pyramid of Djedefptah is a lesser-known pyramid that was constructed in 25th century BC for the Pharaoh Djedefptah, who ruled during the 4th Dynasty of Egypt. The pyramid is located at the Saqqara necropolis, and was built as a funerary monument for the pharaoh. It is believed to have been constructed from 2568 to 2543 BC, and is situated near the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the Bent Pyramid, and the Red Pyramid at Dahshur. The pyramid was discovered in 1936 by archaeologist Abdel-Qader Muhammad el-Bayed, and is composed of two parts; an underground chamber, and a 65 feet high superstructure. The underground chamber was small, measuring just 16 feet by 16 feet, and is thought to have held the Pharaoh's sarcophagus. The superstructure is made up of medium-grade limestone, and is eight steps high. The stairs were designed in an L-shape, resulting in the pyramid taking an appearance of a ziggurat. The Pyramid of Djedefptah is one of the smallest Pyramids of ancient Egypt, and was the first pyramid to be built at the Saqqara necropolis, preceding the much larger Pyramid of Djoser. The pyramid is thought to be a representation of the sun god Ra, and was positioned north-south in order achieve an equinox alignment. There is some evidence of tomb looting in antiquity, but the pyramid remains largely intact. It is believed that the pyramid was never completed to its full design due to the death of Djedefptah, and its orientation towards the sun god Ra. Nevertheless, it remains an important archaeological site in Egypt, and has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Pyramid of Djedefptah is located at the Dahshur Necropolis in Egypt, which is just south of the Giza Plateau. 2. It was built between 2575 and 2551 BC by Pharaoh Djedefptah, a distant relative of Khufu who built the Great Pyramid of Giza. 3. It is still standing to this day, although it is very eroded. 4. It is the only pyramid known to have the remains of an internal burial chamber containing a sarcophagus. 5. The Pyramid of Djedefptah was originally 103 feet tall. 6. The pyramid's entrance is located on its north face, rather than the usual east face like most other ancient Egyptian pyramids. 7. The pyramid was added to the list of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. 8. It is one of the Red Pyramid of Dahshur, a monument made entirely out of golden sandstone. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era