Red pyramid of snefru. "Pink Pyramid. Features of the Pink Pyramid

The Pink Pyramid is the third tallest pyramid ancient egypt and the highest among all the buildings of the southern necropolis, located near Dahshur, 26 km. from Cairo. The first capital of united Egypt, Memphis, was located nearby.

Sneferu, the great builder of Egypt

The construction of the Pink Pyramid dates back to XXVI BC, the time of the reign of Pharaoh Snofru, father of Cheops (reigned 2613-2589 BC). His name appears several times on the walls of the pyramid premises and parts of facing slabs found nearby. Sneferu became famous as a statesman, a talented military leader, he led large-scale construction throughout the country and remained in the memory of subsequent generations as an ideal ruler. But his main merit to his descendants is the beginning of the construction of huge pyramids of a classical form, while the previous ones were stepped and much smaller in size.

In general, during the reign of Snefru, the construction of two pyramids began, the Rose and the Broken, also located near Dahshur. Scientists have not yet given an answer to the question of why the pharaoh needed to build two tombs.

Snefer is also credited with building the step pyramid at Medum. He actually expanded and completed this tomb, but its construction was conceived and started under his predecessor Huni.

What is a pyramid

The pink pyramid is the most regular and perfect structure of this type, an almost exact geometrically isosceles triangle. This gives it amazing harmony. Its height is 104.4 m, the dimensions of the base are 218.5 x 221.5 m. Externally, the Pink Pyramid is noticeably different from its relatives by the lower slope of the edges - 43°22" versus the 51°-52" later adopted as a standard. The total volume of construction is 1,694,000 cubic meters. At the time of completion of construction it was the most high building in the world.







The pyramid got its name from the color of the stone it was made of - in the rays of the setting sun the blocks turn pinkish. But this is not a consequence of the architect’s plan. Initially, the edges were lined with white limestone slabs, but in the Middle Ages almost all of the cladding was removed and used to build houses in Cairo. Only a small number of slabs near the surface of the earth have survived. The main material of the pyramid has a natural pinkish tint.

Interior

The entrance to the tomb is at a level of about 28 m. Near the entrance there is a stone, which, according to the Egyptians, is a restored pyramidion, which crowned the entire structure in ancient times. However, scientists reject this possibility, since the size of the stone is too small for such a huge monument as the Pink Pyramid.




From the entrance, a narrow and low descending corridor 62 meters long leads deep into the pyramid. Its height and width are a little more than a meter. The passage leads to three successive chambers, two of which are at ground level, and the third is deep in the masonry. The ceilings of the first two chambers are stepped, tapering upward, their height is 12 meters. The chambers are connected by low, narrow passages, which were apparently hidden in ancient times. Many researchers believe that the two chambers were designed to divert the attention of robbers from the third, the real burial room of the pharaoh. It is much more spacious than the first two, and the ceiling height reaches 17 meters.

However, all precautions turned out to be unnecessary, since, according to archaeologists, no one was ever buried in the Pink Pyramid, and it was completed during the reign of Cheops, 10 years after the death of Snofru. But, one way or another, the robbers got to the third cell, the floor of which was badly damaged. Apparently, the attackers were looking for other secret premises. This could have happened in the 23rd century BC, during a period of anarchy when almost all the significant tombs of the Old Kingdom were looted.

Some written sources claim that the original plan called for the construction of an entire burial complex, similar to the one built at the Bent Pyramid. It is even reported that a funeral temple was erected, but archaeologists did not find any traces of it. But the Pink Pyramid looks great even without satellites and is one of the most remarkable monuments of ancient Egyptian civilization.

The pink pyramid is the largest of the three great pyramids, located on the territory of the Dahshur necropolis.

The name is associated with the color of the stone blocks, which turn pink in the rays of the setting sun.

It is the third tallest (104.4 m) pyramid in Egypt, after Khufu and Khafre at Giza.

Hajor, CC BY-SA 1.0

The Pink Pyramid did not always have its current color. Previously, its walls were covered with white limestone.

Currently, white limestone is almost completely absent, because... As early as the Middle Ages, a significant part of it was removed for the construction of houses in Cairo, as a result of which pinkish limestone was exposed.

This pyramid is attributed to Snofru, as his name was found inscribed in red paint on several casing blocks.

Ivrienen, CC BY-SA 3.0

The pink pyramid of Pharaoh Snefru in Dahshur, at the time of its construction in the 26th century. BC e. was the tallest building on Earth.

Its base is 220 m, height - 109.5 m (originally), 104 m (today).

GDK, MONNIER Franck, CC BY 2.5

It is also considered the world's first successful attempt at building a "true" isosceles pyramid (has a regular stereometric pyramidal shape), although the angle of its sides is only 43° 22" compared to the later norm of 51° 52".

In addition, it is characterized by an extremely low slope of the walls (base 218.5 × 221.5 m with a height of 104.4 m).

The volume of the pyramid is 1,694,000 m³.

Entrance

The entrance through a sloping passage on the north side leads down into three adjacent chambers, approximately 17 meters high, which are accessible to the public.

Visiting the pyramid should be done with caution due to the pungent odor caused by the concentration of ammonia in its premises.

December 14, 2015

There are still no exact answers to many mysteries of the world's historical monuments. The breathtaking beauty of the unique echoes of antiquity and the exciting adventures inside the pyramids attract tourists from all over the world. Everyone wants to touch a piece of something unknown.

A masterpiece of world history

The pink pyramid, which ranks third in height, is located on the territory of the Dakhshur necropolis. Unfortunately, not all stone giants have survived to this day, and it is all the more interesting to observe a historical monument that time has spared. It is called the most correct and perfect pyramid, which was built as an isosceles triangle.

Pink Pyramid: Interesting Facts

There are several versions of scientists regarding the name of the ancient historical monument. Some believe that the original white limestone was removed to plaster rooms in Cairo, revealing a stone with an unusual subtle color. Others consider the version that the pyramid acquired this feature over time: rock, consisting of shells, crumbled under the influence of prolonged showers and sunlight, and now tourists observe the unique color of the structure, distinguishing it from others. By the way, many who visited ancient place They say that in fact, the pink pyramid in Egypt acquires such a bright shining hue only in the rays of the setting sun.

Interestingly, the white limestone lining is still visible at the very base of the tomb, while the neighboring building appears untouched. Scientists cannot explain such oddities.

Two tombs of Sneferu

It is believed that the history of the pyramid goes back to the reign of Pharaoh from the Sneferu dynasty. However, there is no exact answer, because scientists draw this conclusion based on several slabs on which this name is carved. Archaeologists are still struggling with the secrets of the burial of the pharaoh and internal structure historical monument.

Interestingly, there are two Sneferu pyramids: pink (northern) and white (southern). The latter is also called a broken line because of its strange shape, in which the top seems to be cut off, and the structure itself visually resembles a rhombus. The Pink Pyramid of Sneferu reveals to the world an ancient building built from massive blocks without the use of any mortar, which has preserved its original appearance to this day.

Mysteries of the tombs

One of the mysteries that scientists have to solve is: why were two pyramids built at the behest of the pharaoh? After all, it was very difficult to build such massive structures consisting of multi-ton blocks in ancient centuries. Not every place was allowed to build burial complexes; the choice depended on many reasons and conditions. Giant giants preserve history and are symbols of the greatness of the country. Archaeologists are of the opinion that Snofra just started the pink pyramid, but did not have time to complete it, and his son, Cheops, finished building the ancient monument.

Archaeological finds

The Pink Pyramid has always attracted scientists, and in the 50s of the twentieth century, archaeologists from Egypt discovered massive colonnades inside it, a huge vestibule with a courtyard and several statues of Pharaoh Snofru himself. Due to the fact that the designs of the two tombs were technically verified, they did not collapse, like many others, and for forty-six centuries they were reliably connected by their weight.

For an exciting journey to the burial complex, tourists rise to a height of more than 20 meters. They get here in trains excursion groups or by car from Cairo. Entrance to the tomb, by the way, is free, but there are certain restrictions on the number of visitors.

To be guaranteed to get to the necropolis, you should wake up early and come here in the morning. At this time, the sun's rays do not burn so much. It is necessary to stock up on drinking water, because the journey ahead is exciting and difficult.

Local guides warn that the difficult path is not for small children, and it is best not to take them into the stone buildings. Before starting the hike, all tourists put on gauze bandages to protect themselves from the pungent smell of ammonia in the walls of the tomb. For those suffering from respiratory diseases and fear of confined spaces, it is better to stop at exploring external attractions.

In front of the entrance to the tomb there is an interesting stone - a pyramidon, now restored, but previously split into pieces. According to the Egyptians, it was preserved from ancient times and was located at the very top of the tomb. But scientists refute this version, believing that it is clearly too small in size for such a huge ancient monument like a pink pyramid. A photo of the stone is presented below.

Tombs of the historical monument

The entrance to the ancient building begins with an extremely narrow corridor leading to three adjacent rooms - tombs. It is impossible to walk along it at full height, so all movements are made only in a slightly bent position. The guides even suggest stocking up on knee pads so that you can rest periodically and not get your clothes dirty.

The elements located inside the premises retain traces of all archaeological excavations and minor cosmetic repairs. It is believed that the first two rooms, located at ground level, were made solely to protect the real tomb of the pharaoh, carved in stone, from robbers. You shouldn’t hope that you will see all kinds of decorations and household items, because the pink pyramid, like all the others, was looted. This is where the journey ends; you have to return through the same meter-long passage.

Numerous mysteries of the pyramids have not yet been solved. Designed to amaze with their unique beauties, they are the world's priceless monuments. Let's hope that the new generation will reveal inaccessible secrets, but for now let's enjoy the unique views of the masterpieces of the Ancient World.

The Dahshur necropolis is located 30 kilometers south of the city of Giza, respectively, 35 kilometers from Cairo. You can get here for 80-100 Egyptian pounds.

If you decide to come to Dahshur on your own, we strongly recommend that you pay the driver for downtime. Catching a taxi back will be extremely problematic; it is better to pay 20 pounds to the driver to wait for you.

It is best to come to Dahshur with organized excursion. This is the cheapest, easiest, and safest way.

Dahshur is the furthest necropolis of ancient Memphis and has few visitors. Of course, there have been no cases of kidnapping of tourists here yet, but any such deserted place in Egypt poses a potential danger to foreigners.

The excursion is also convenient because in one day you can see all the largest and interesting pyramids in Egypt. You look at the Dahshur necropolis. Tourists see all this in one day and for only 50-60 US dollars. A tour is ideal.

Working hours

From 8-00 am to 17-00 pm.

What's the cover charge

Entrance to the territory of the Dahshur necropolis costs 40 Egyptian pounds. Entrance inside the pyramid is free.

How much time should you plan for your visit?

One hour is enough to see everything interesting inside and outside.

What is inside

Tourists can get inside freely and free of charge. On some Internet sites they write the following phrases: “You can walk freely inside the pyramid.” The phrase sounds very funny, since the passage inside is just over a meter wide and about a meter high.

The passage is about 60 meters long and slopes downwards at an angle of 27 degrees. If you are short in stature, you will be able to move along it crouching down. Tall people have to walk on their haunches, which is very difficult.

The descending passage gives way to a horizontal one about 10 meters long, and after it the first burial chamber begins, where you can finally straighten your back.

Conclusion. If you are tall (1.8 meters and above) and want to get inside the Pink Pyramid, then stock up on pants that you won’t mind throwing away. Or the second option - take with you knee pads, which are used by skateboarders and rollerbladers (photo). Then, while moving, you will be able to kneel, and moving around will be much easier.

The burial chamber is spacious. The most interesting thing for tourists here is the stepped ceiling 12 meters high. However, there is nothing more to see here; you can move on to the second burial chamber.

A very narrow passage in the southern wall leads into it. Outwardly, it is very similar to the first chamber, except for one element - a wooden staircase. This staircase was built by modern archaeologists. Climbing along it, you will come to another passage that leads to the third burial chamber.

The second burial chamber has its own peculiarity - it is located exactly in the center of the pyramid, which is very rare. The first two chambers are at ground level, and the third is already laid out inside the masonry. Later, the idea of ​​organizing a burial chamber directly in the masonry was used and developed by Pharaoh Cheops, the son of Snofru.

It was the third chamber that was allegedly used as the burial place of Pharaoh Snofru. Three cameras were made to protect against robbers, that is, the first two of them were false.

Even such tricks did not help. Like all the pyramids of the Ancient Kingdom of Egypt, this one was completely robbed. This happened during the era of the First Transition Period - a moment of anarchy in Russia, when almost all ancient monuments were damaged.

The third chamber is the largest in size, the ceiling height is 15 meters. The floor of this cell was badly damaged, and it is believed that the robbers were looking for other hidden rooms.

This concludes the tour inside the Pink Pyramid. Now you have to go back through the same meter-high passage, but up. By the way, it’s easier to go up, since even a tall person can move while crouching.

Tourists are surprised that the walls of the passages and burial chambers are completely empty. There are no inscriptions, bas-reliefs or frescoes. The tradition of painting the walls of tombs appeared later - during the reign of the V dynasty.

"Pink Pyramid"

The northern, or “Pink” (less commonly called “red”) pyramid of Dahshur is the first royal tomb of a regular stereometric pyramidal shape (although the angle of its side with an error is only 43 degrees 36 minutes, in contrast to later norms - 51 degrees 52 minutes) and its name is associated with the color of the facing stone, which turns pink in the rays of the setting sun. The entrance through a sloping passage on the north side descends into three adjacent chambers, all filled with stones and inaccessible. This pyramid has been attributed to Snefer because several of the casing blocks have his name inscribed in red paint.

Although the “pink” tomb is the first “true” pyramid, it is characterized by an extremely low slope of the walls (base 218.5 × 221.5 m with a height of 104.4 m). This is one of the largest pyramids, second in size only to the pyramids of Khufu and Khafre. The entrance through a sloping passage on the north side descended into three adjacent chambers, all filled with stones and inaccessible. This pyramid was attributed to Snefer because his name was inscribed in red paint on several of the casing blocks. The pyramids of Snefru in Dahshur constituted an ensemble of similar and complementary buildings called Ha-Sneferu (“Shining Snofru” or “Sneferu Rises”).

Pyramids at Meidum and Sale

And finally, the pyramid in Meidum (146 × 146 m, height 118 m). At the end of the 5th dynasty, the Meidum monument under the name of Djed-Sneferu functioned in parallel with the mortuary complex of Sneferu in Dahshur, since, according to a papyrus from the Abusir archive, it was a supplier of food to the mortuary temple of King Neferirkare. The identification of Djed-Sneferu with the Meidum monument is confirmed by an inscription on a Middle Kingdom figurine - discovered in the eastern sanctuary - which mentions the gods who are in Djed-Sneferu. Numerous New Kingdom graffiti left in the same sanctuary show that Meidum became sacred place pilgrimage. The total volume of these pyramids (3,682,500 m3) far exceeds the volume Great Pyramid in Giza (2,600,000 m3), which allows us to consider Snefera the greatest builder of the Old Kingdom.

As a result of excavations at a step pyramid, usually attributed to the III Dynasty, given its stepped shape, at Seila, located exactly 10 km. West of Meidum, on the eastern border of the Fayum, the name of Sneferu was discovered on the site of a religious building. Among the items cleared are a limestone stele with the Choir name inscribed and a cartouche of Snefru, an alabaster figurine of the king, and an offering table with three round containers, also made of alabaster. This means that the pyramid of four or even five steps in Seila was built during the time of Snefru. Apparently, the step pyramid at Seila symbolized the supreme power of Sneferu near one of his residences, or was a cenotaph.

The various monuments of Snofru in Dahshur, Meidum and Seila, with temples and roads, represent a gigantic volume of almost 4,000,000 m3 of stones. It follows that Snefru needed to obtain a large amount of labor using peasants and captured Nubian captives. Sneferu strengthened the kingdom and left it as a legacy to his son Cheops, who increased his father's achievements and reached the apogee of Old Kingdom architecture by building a pyramid on the plateau at El Giza.

At the same time, it is obvious that the Sneferu construction program practically absorbed the entire workforce available in Egypt: it was necessary to bring from neighboring countries several thousand people to work on construction sites, and a colossal effort was required from the entire Egyptian people. Hundreds of thousands of animals were brought to Egypt to transport stones and also to feed the country. Despite this, Sneferu remained in the memory of the people as a “beneficent” king. Middle Kingdom literature and later tradition viewed Snefra as an ideal ruler, extolling his ugliness in contrast to his son and successor, the despotic Khufu (Cheops). The existence of the cult of Snefru was mentioned even under the Ptolemies.

 

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