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: the 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 the ancient place 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 cladding 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. Until now, archaeologists are struggling with the secrets of the pharaoh’s burial and the internal structure of the 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 Snefru 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. People 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 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 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 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 as the 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 should not 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 ones have still not 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 as part of an 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 a foreigner.
The excursion is also convenient because in one day you can see all the largest and most 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. Entry into 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 in length, 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 Snefru.
It was the third chamber that was allegedly used as the burial place of Pharaoh Snefru. 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.
December 14, 2015There 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: the 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 the ancient place 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 cladding 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. Until now, archaeologists are struggling with the secrets of the pharaoh’s burial and the internal structure of the 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 Snefru 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. People 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 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 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 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 as the 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 should not 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.
"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 Sneferu in Dahshur constituted an ensemble of similar and complementary buildings called Ha-Sneferu (“Shining Sneferu” 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 at the same sanctuary show that Meidum became a sacred place of pilgrimage. The total volume of these pyramids (3,682,500 m m3) far exceeds the volume of the Great Pyramid of Giza (2,600,000 m 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 several thousand people from neighboring countries 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.
| Data | |
|---|---|
| Location | Dahshur |
| Customer | Sneferu |
| Construction time | IV Dynasty (~2640 to ~2620 BC) |
| Type | Pyramid |
| Construction material | Limestone |
| Base size | 220 m |
| Height (original) | 109.5 m |
| Height (today) | 104 m |
| Volume | 1.694.000 m³ |
| Incline | 43° 22" |
| Cult pyramid | No |
| Pyramids of Queens | No |
Pink pyramid or Northern Pyramid - the largest of the three large 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 pyramid in Egypt, after Khufu and Khafre at Giza. The Pink Pyramid did not always have its current color. Previously, its walls were covered with white limestone. But nowadays the white limestone is almost completely absent, since back in the Middle Ages a significant part of it was removed for the construction of houses in Cairo, resulting in pinkish limestone being exposed. This pyramid is attributed to Snofru, as his name was found inscribed in red paint on several of the casing blocks.
Northern pyramid of Pharaoh Snofru in Dahshur, at the time of its construction in the 26th century. BC e. was the tallest building on Earth. 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. 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.
Egypt.Dashur.RedPyramid.02.jpg
Part of the projecting walls that form the vault in the main burial chamber.
South side of the Pink Pyramid.
Red-pyramid - entry.jpg
Entrance to the Pink Pyramid.
Pyramide-rouge-plans.jpg
Scheme of the Pink Pyramid in Dahshur.
Pyramide-rouge-infra.jpg
Diagram of the interior of the pyramid.
Bricks of the Red Pyramid in Dahshur.jpg
Stone blocks of the Pink Pyramid.
Restoration Project at the Red Pyramid in Dahshur.jpg
Start of restoration work.
Inside Snofru's Red Pyramid.jpg
Descending corridor.
11 red corbel 1.jpg
View of the ceiling in the chambers of the pyramid.
10 red chamber.jpg
Hidden passage from the first to the second burial chamber.
Severe damage to the floor.
see also
- The Bent Pyramid is another pyramid of Sneferu in Dahshur.
- Luxor Las Vegas is a very similar modern pyramid in Las Vegas.
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Excerpt characterizing the Pink Pyramid
I entered the gate and said hello to a small, thin old woman who was sitting there alone and thinking very detachedly about something.The day was pleasant, sunny and warm, although autumn was already very confidently in the yard. A light breeze rustled in the last remaining leaves, spreading around the juicy smell of honey, mushrooms and the earth warmed by the last rays of the sun... As it should have been, a kind, deep, “golden” silence reigned in this peaceful place of Eternal Peace...
As usual, I sat down on my grandfather’s bench and began to tell him all my latest news. I knew that this was stupid and that, even with my greatest desire, he could not hear me in any way (because his essence lived in me from the day of his death), but I missed him so much and constantly, that I allowed myself this tiny, harmless illusion in order to, at least for some short moment, return that wonderful connection that I had until now only with him alone.
So quietly and peacefully “talking” with my grandfather, I completely did not notice how the same miniature old woman came up to me and sat down next to me on a small stump. I don’t know how long she sat with me like that. But when I returned to “normal reality”, I saw radiant, not at all senile, blue eyes looking at me tenderly, as if asking if I needed any help...
- Oh, forgive me, grandma, I didn’t even notice when you came up! – I said, very embarrassed.
Usually it was difficult to approach me unnoticed - some kind of internal sense of self-defense always triggered. But such boundless goodness emanated from this warm, sweet old lady that apparently all my “protective instincts” slowed down...
“I’m talking to my grandfather...” I said embarrassedly.
“Don’t be ashamed, dear,” the old woman shook her head, “you have a giving soul, this happiness is great and rare.” Don't be ashamed.
I looked with all my eyes at this frail and very unusual old woman, completely not understanding what she was talking about, but for some reason feeling absolute and complete trust in her. She sat down next to me, affectionately hugged me with her dry, but very warm hand like an old man, and unexpectedly smiled very brightly:
- Don't worry, honey, everything will be fine. Just don’t rush to find out the answers to everything... it’s too early for you, because in order to get answers, you must first know the right questions... And they haven’t matured for you yet...
Only many years later I was able to understand what this strange, wise old woman really wanted to say. But then I just listened to her very carefully, trying to remember every word, so that later more than once I could “scroll” in my memory everything that was not understood (but, as I felt, very important for me) and try to catch at least a grain of what could I wish I could help in my ever-continuing “search”...
“If you took on too heavy a load, you’ll break…” the old woman continued calmly, and I realized that she was referring to my contacts with the dead. - Not all people are worth it, dear, some must pay for their actions, otherwise they will unreasonably begin to believe that they are already worthy of forgiveness, and then your good will only bring evil... Remember, my girl, good should always be SMART. Otherwise, it is no longer good at all, but simply an echo of your heart or desire, which does not necessarily coincide with who the person you gifted truly is.
