Overview:

Pyramid of Unas, also known as the Pyramid of Wenis, is a pyramid complex located in the vast necropolis of Saqqara in Egypt. Built during the Fifth Dynasty (2494–2345 BC) of the Old Kingdom, it is the oldest pyramid of its size in the world. It was first discovered in 1881 by Gaston Maspero and was then investigated by Vyse, Lepsius and Mariette. The pyramid contains intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions in its internal chambers. The pyramid is believed to have been built by King Unas, who ascended the throne of Egypt in 2375 BC, and was the last ruler of the Fifth Dynasty. He is the first king who had the confidence to build a pyramid of such size, and the first who had hieroglyphic inscriptions on its walls. It is also the earliest known Egyptian pyramid to contain Pyramid Texts, which are spells, prayers, and hymns which accompany the soul of the king in its journey through eternity. The pyramid is made up of two parts- the main structure and the Pyramid Temple located next to it. The Pyramid Temple features mastabas, or rectangular tombs, and the entrance is believed to lead to the entrance of the afterlife. The pyramid is surrounded by numerous smaller pyramids, and it is believed that they were built in order to provide comforting souls to the king in the afterlife. To this day, the Pyramid of Unas is an incredible example of a well-preserved, ancient structure. The hieroglyphic inscriptions within it, although yet to be fully deciphered, are an eye-opening look into the religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

The Pyramid of Unas at Saqqara in Egypt is the last of the ancient pyramids to be built in the Old Kingdom, and the smallest of the major pyramids. It was constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Unas, who succeeded Djoser as the fifth and final king of the Fifth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, in approximately 2345 BC. The pyramid is located at the highest point of the northeastern side of the Saqqara necropolis, and is noted for its spectacular satellite pyramids and the six thousand hieroglyphic tiles found on its walls. The main entrance is located on the eastern side of the pyramid and is accessed via a long causeway. The structure measures just 68 meters (223 feet) square and is only around 43 meters (142 feet) tall - much shorter than other pyramids of the time. When compared to other, more impressive monuments at Saqqara, it seems almost austere. The interior of the pyramid is made up of a five-tier system of chambers, with its original purpose to house the pharaoh’s mummy and the various artifacts necessary for the afterlife. The burial chamber of Unas is located at the bottom of the entrance passage. It is made entirely out of granite and has two compartments connected by a passage. The two-tiered roof of the burial chamber is the only example of its kind in any pyramid in the world. The burial chamber is accessed via a sloping passageway that is decorated from end to end with hieroglyphic texts and images. The walls of the pyramid are covered with inscriptions, referred to as ‘Pyramid Texts’, the oldest surviving religious writings in the world. It is thought that these texts were intended to be ritualized spells, designed to protect Unas’ spirit in the afterlife. The Pyramid of Unas is also noted for its various satellite pyramids, which were constructed to include lesser tombs for the royal family and high-ranking court members. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

The Pyramid of Unas at Saqqara is the oldest known pyramid in the world. It stands on a 15m (50ft.) high platform and has a base which measures 54m (177ft.) square. Built in the late 24th century BC, it is attributed to the fifth and final ruler of Dynasty V, King Unas (or Unis). Unas' pyramid was the first Egyptian monument to be decorated with the Pyramid Texts - a collection of religious texts carved into the pyramid's inner walls and the walls of the adjacent chapel. The texts are mainly lists of offerings to the gods and prayers for the protection of the royal ka - the spirit or life force of the deceased king. The pyramid of Unas is one of the earliest examples of masonry construction in Ancient Egypt. Constructed of locally-quarried limestone, the pyramid was built in three stages - the substructure, the main pyramid and the outer casing. The latter was composed of a limestone blocks that were finely cut to fit together perfectly in a kind of "interlocking puzzle". The pyramid was restored by Egyptologist Flinders Petrie in 1891. He found the tomb to be in a surprisingly good state, and discovered several shaft tombs located around the pyramid's base. These shaft tombs contained several hundred years worth of burials, which included offerings like furniture, pottery and jewelry. The Pyramid of Unas at Saqqara is believed to have served as a model for the later pyramids of Giza, and it remains one of the most interesting monuments to visit today. Its importance lies not only in its design and construction, but also in its significant role in the development of Egyptian architecture, religion and funerary practices. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Pyramid of Unas is the last of the ancient Egyptian pyramids to be built. It is located at Saqqara, north of Cairo. 2. Unas is the ninth and final king of the Fifth Dynasty. His pyramid was built between 2350 and 2300 B.C. 3. The Pyramid of Unas is the smallest of all the major Egyptian pyramids. It is only 58 feet high and its base is 77 feet square. 4. The pyramid contains a number of chambers and passages, as was typical for the period. Of most interest are the extensive hieroglyphic inscriptions on the walls of the burial chamber and passages. 5. These hieroglyphic inscriptions contain spells from the Pyramid and Coffin Texts, some of the earliest known examples of written work. 6. These spells intended to protect and guide Unas in his afterlife and provide a connection between the living and the dead. 7. The Pyramid of Unas is the only known pyramid to contain these inscriptions in its chambers and passages. 8. The entrance to the pyramid is on the north side and leads to a vertical descending corridor that leads into a burial chamber. 9. At the end of the vertical corridor is a monumental gate, which may have been sealed with a secret spell. 10. The burial chamber is decorated with blue faience tiles and the walls are lined with limestone blocks. The sarcophagus of Unas is made of granite and is decorated with inscriptions and reliefs. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era