pink pyramid- the largest of the three great pyramids located on the territory of the Dakhshur necropolis.

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

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

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. back in 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 Sneferu, since his name was found inscribed in red paint on several blocks of sheathing.

The pink pyramid of Pharaoh Sneferu 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).

It is also considered the world's first successful attempt to build a "real" isosceles pyramid (has the correct stereometric pyramidal shape), although the angle of its sides has an error of only 43 ° 22 "compared to the late norm of 51 ° 52".

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

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

Entrance

Entrance through a sloping passage on north side leads down to three adjacent chambers, about 17 meters high, which are accessible to the public.

The pyramid should be visited with caution due to the strong smell caused by the concentration of ammonia in its premises.

"Pink Pyramid"

The northern or “Pink” (less commonly referred to as “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 acquires a pink color in the rays of the setting sun. The entrance through the sloping passage on the north side descends into three adjoining chambers, all filled with stones and inaccessible. This pyramid was attributed to Sneferu because his name is inscribed in red paint on several blocks of sheathing.

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

Pyramids at Meidum and Sale

And, finally, the pyramid at 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 Sneferu mortuary complex in Dahshur, since, according to the papyrus from the Abusir archive, it was a supplier of products to the mortuary temple of King Neferirkare. The identification of Djed Snofru with the Meidum monument is confirmed by an inscription on a statuette of the Middle Kingdom - discovered in the eastern sanctuary - which mentions the gods that are in Djed Snofru. Numerous New Kingdom graffiti left in the same sanctuary show that Meidum became sacred place pilgrimages. The total volume of these pyramids (3,682,500 m3) far exceeds the volume Great Pyramid in Giza (2600,000 m3), which allows us to consider Snefru the greatest builder of the Old Kingdom.

As a result of excavations at step pyramid, usually attributed to the 3rd Dynasty, given its stepped form, at Sale, located exactly 10 km. west of Meidum, on eastern border Fayouma, on site places of worship Sneferu's name was discovered. Items cleared include a limestone stele with the Choir's 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 Sale was built in the time of Sneferu. Apparently, the step pyramid in Sale symbolized the supreme power of Sneferu near one of his residences, or was a cenotaph.

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

At the same time, it is obvious that the Snefru construction program practically absorbed the entire labor force available in Egypt: it was necessary to bring in 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, as well as to feed the country. Despite this, Sneferu remained in the memory of the people as a "benevolent" king. Middle Kingdom literature and later tradition saw Snefru as the ideal ruler, extolling his stubbornness in contrast to his son and successor, the despotic Khufu (Cheops). The existence of the cult of Sneferu is mentioned even under the Ptolemies.

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

Sneferu, the great builder of Egypt

The construction of the Pink Pyramid is attributed to the XXVI BC, the time of the reign of Pharaoh Snefru, the father of Cheops (ruled in 2613-2589 BC). His name is found several times on the walls of the pyramid rooms and on 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 the classical form, while the previous ones were stepped and much smaller.

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

Snefere is also credited with building the step pyramid at Meidum. 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 correct and perfect structure of this type, almost an exact geometrically isosceles triangle. This gives it an amazing harmony. Its height is 104.4 m., the dimensions of the base are 218.5 x 221.5 m. Externally, the Pink Pyramid noticeably differs from its congeners in a lower slope of the faces - 43 ° 22 "against the 51 ° -52" accepted later as a standard. The total volume of construction is 1.694.000 cubic meters. At the time of completion, it was the most high building in the world.

The pyramid got its name from the color of the stone from which it is built - in the rays of the setting sun, the blocks become pinkish. But this is not a consequence of the architect's intention. Initially, the faces were lined with white limestone slabs, but in the Middle Ages, almost all of the facing was removed and used to build houses in Cairo. Only a small number of plates have survived at the very surface of the earth. The main material of the pyramid has a natural pinkish tint.

Interior spaces

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 is a little over a meter. The passage leads to three consecutive chambers, two of which are at ground level, and the third in the thickness of the masonry. The ceilings of the first two chambers are stepped, tapering upwards, their height is 12 meters. The chambers are connected by low narrow passages, which were apparently hidden in antiquity. Many researchers believe that the two chambers were designed to divert the attention of the robbers from the third, 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 already completed in the reign of Cheops 10 years after the death of Sneferu. 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 rooms. This could have happened in the 23rd century BC, during the period of anarchy, when almost all the significant tombs of the Old Kingdom were looted.

Some written sources state that the original plan provided for the construction of an entire burial complex, similar to the one built near the Bent Pyramid. It is even reported that a mortuary 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 the ancient Egyptian civilization.

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

Masterpiece of world history

The pink pyramid, which occupies the third place in height, is located on the territory of the Dahshur 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 for plastering rooms in Cairo, and as a result of this, a stone with an unusual delicate color was exposed. Others consider the version that the pyramid acquired such a feature over time: the rock, consisting of shells, crumbled under the influence of prolonged showers and sunlight, and now tourists observe the unique color of the structure that distinguishes it from others. By the way, many visitors ancient place they say that in fact, the pink pyramid in Egypt acquires such a bright shining shade only in the rays of the setting sun.

Interestingly, at the very base of the tomb, the white limestone lining is still visible, and the neighboring building looks untouched. Scientists cannot explain such oddities in any way.

Two tombs of Sneferu

It is believed that the history of the pyramid goes back to the reign of the pharaoh from the Sneferu dynasty. However, there is no exact answer, because scientists make such a conclusion based on several plates on which this name is engraved. Until now, archaeologists are struggling with the secrets of the burial of the pharaoh and the internal structure of the historical monument.

Interestingly, there are two pyramids of Sneferu: 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 shows the world built of massive blocks without the use of any solution ancient building which has retained its original appearance to this day.

Mysteries of the tombs

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

Findings of archaeologists

The pink pyramid has always attracted scientists, and in the 1950s, archaeologists from Egypt discovered massive colonnades inside it, a huge lobby with a courtyard, and several statues of Pharaoh Snefru himself. Due to the fact that the constructions of the two tombs are technically verified, they did not collapse like many others, but for forty-six centuries they were reliably connected by their weight.

For exciting journey in the burial complex, tourists rise to a height of more than 20 meters. They get here as part of excursion groups or on their own 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 still do not burn so much. It is necessary to stock up on drinking water, because the journey is going to be exciting and difficult.

Local guides warn that the difficult path is not for small children, and it is best not to take them with you to 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. Those suffering from respiratory diseases and fear of closed space should stop at the sightseeing outside.

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 has been preserved since ancient times and was located at the very top of the tomb. But scientists refute this version, believing that it is clearly small in size for such a huge ancient monument like a pink pyramid. A photo of the stone is shown below.

Historical monument tombs

The entrance to the oldest building begins with an extremely narrow corridor leading to three adjacent rooms - tombs. It is impossible to walk on it in full growth, therefore all movements are made only in a slightly bent position. Guides even offer to stock up on knee pads to periodically rest and not get your clothes dirty.

Elements located inside the premises keep traces of all archaeological sites and minor cosmetic repairs. It is believed that the first two rooms, located at ground level, were made solely in order to protect the real tomb of the pharaoh, carved in stone, from robbers. You should not hope that you will see all kinds of jewelry and household items, because the pink pyramid, like all others, was looted. This is where the journey ends, you have to return through the same meter passage.

Numerous secrets of the pyramids have not yet been solved. Called to amaze with their unique beauties, they are priceless monuments of the world. 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.

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