The bent pyramid of Snefru is located about 40 km away from Cairo at the royal necropolis of Dahshur. It was built by the great pharaoh Snefru and it was actually the second pyramid built by him. Bent Pyramid appears a transitional form between smooth-sided and steep-sided pyramids. Because the original angle of inclination showed some steepness, the structure showed signs of instability during construction. This forced the builders to adopt a shallower angle to avert the structure’s collapse. It is sometimes called the Rhomboidal. Explore the entire info about the bent pyramid here:
The Bent Pyramid
History of the Bent Pyramid
Bent pyramid of Snefru is a truly unique one among the ninety other pyramids found in Egypt because its original polished limestone outer casing remains largely intact. The ancient name of the bent pyramid is translated as the Southern Shining Pyramid, or Sneferu is Shining in the South.
Why is the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur in Egypt…Bent?
Because of the steepness change in slope, the pyramid is called bent as the lower part of the pyramid’s outline is angled inward at 54 degrees, and then at 49 m above the base, the slope abruptly flattens out to 43 degrees. That leaves a distinctively odd shape.
The Purpose of Building the Bent Pyramid
There have been several theories about why the bent pyramid was made until recently. They included the premature death of the pharaoh, requiring the speedy completion of the pyramid in addition to that noises coming from the interior clued the builders into the fact that the angle was not sustainable.
The Construction of The Bent Pyramid
There are two entrances for the bent pyramid and each one of them leads to a chamber of a different high. The northern entrance leads to a chamber that is below ground level whereas the western to a chamber built in the body of the pyramid itself. In the first half of the 1950s, Ahmed Fakhry started some archeological studies of the bent pyramid. There are three sections inside the bent Pyramid. In the southern section, there are four storerooms and the sidewalls are decorated with scenes depicting representations of personified mortuary estates.
Upper Egyptian sources are displayed on the east wall. On the west wall, you can find Lower Egyptian funerary estates. These reliefs some of the best artwork of the 4th Dynasty, and are the earliest known examples of such estate scenes. A huge wall built probably of local yellowish, gray limestone surround bent pyramid. The angle of the slope was reduced to 45o during the construction work, which had the effect of reducing the mass of the upper part of the pyramid.
Hidden Secrets & Many Questions About the Bent Pyramid
There are some questions related to the bent pyramid whether all of the pyramid’s chambers have actually been located in addition to some investigation of the pyramid was sometimes difficult, because wind created a potent draft blowing through the passageways. Because of this, the archaeological studies were hindered. These problems occurred even before the discovery of the walled-in western entrance, so some current Egyptologists wonder how the draft was vented, and leading them to speculate that other rooms or passageways might remain undiscovered.
The Temple of the Bent Pyramid
There are some remains of the bent pyramid temple on the east side of the pyramid and there are two stelae behind the temple. It is presumed to be similar to that of the Medium temple and it is the first valley temple we know of to be connected to Giza pyramids complex & was enclosed within a huge perimeter wall made of mud brick. On the southern side of the pyramid, there is a satellite pyramid that was built to house pharaoh Ka and it measured 26 meters in height and 52.80 meters in length.
Facts About the Bent Pyramid
- The total height of the bent pyramid: 104.71m
- The height of the lower part: 47.04m
- The height of the upper part: 57.67m
- The base of the bent pyramid: 189.43m
- The base at bend: 123.58m
- The slope of the lower part: 54°27′44″
- The slope of the upper part 43°22′ 00″
- Length of Causeway: 704m
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FAQ
What Should I Wear While Being in Egypt?
You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.
What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?
You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?
Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.
Why book Trips in Egypt?
We have experience in vacation planning for more than 10 years & our staff consists of the most professional operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort create the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time advisors to fit your every possible need during your time in egypt. we always keep in mind that your safety & comfort are our main priority until you return home.
Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.
What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?
They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.
What is the Weather is Like?
The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 23 ¡ÆC in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 32 ¡ÆC in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?
It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.
Should I Give Tips in Egypt?
It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.
Can I Enter the Pyramids?
Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.
How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?
Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.
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