Photos of the bent pyramid of Dahshour - Pyramids - Egypt

Located South of Saqqara stand the pyramids of Dhashur (Dahshur). The Bent Pyramid is about 2 km south of the Mastaba Faraoun. The constructor of the pyramid is thought to have been Snefru, 2680-2565 BC), who was the first ruler of the 4th Dynasty. The Bent Pyramid, is one of three (or maybe even four) pyramids built by the great Pharaoh Snefru in Egypt's Old Kingdom. His sons were pyramid builders who helped create these projects. Cheops was one of his sons.

Snefru had the Bent pyramid built as a safe place to rest after he passed on to the other side.

The Bent Pyramid is unique for two reasons. The first is the angle change. There are two theories for this change. The first is that the builders may have gotten tired and wanted to reduce the volume and to finish faster. Another is that when the pyramid at Meidoum collapsed, the architect lost his nerve and changed the angle. The angle at Meidoum was 52 degrees as is the base of the Bent Pyramid. At the bend, the angle is changed to 43.5 degrees up to the peak.

The second reason is that it has two entrances. The first is in the middle of the northern side and is about 12m above the ground. It leads to the upper chamber. The second entrance is on the western side and is just above the ground. It leads to the lower chamber. The floors of both chambers were built 4m deep with small stone blocks.

It is thought that the bent shape of the pyramid was not architecturally what Sneferu's son set out to build. But due to the weight of the pyramid the original was altered. The pyramid was finally abandoned after 20 years of construction as it was not safe.

Home  |  About me  |  Places  |  Portfolio  |  Buy Photos  |  Site Map  |  Links  |  Contact Me  |  Wallpaper