Pyramid of Djedefre "Abu Rawash"
The golden pyramid of Djedefre is a very magical and exotic part of ancient Egyptian artistic architecture which has the power to reveal the most incredible facts as it is one of the earliest examples of the construction of a true pyramid. The powers of the time were not able to totally destroy the pyramid entirely despite its long age due to its strong foundation and the lost art of construction.
This pyramid will provide a glimpse into the mentality of the ancient Egyptian builders more than 4500 years ago. This masterful archaeological creation will be the key to exploring the royal power and mythical beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. In this article, we will explore this magnificent piece of art which will be able to shed light on the building art and religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.
Location & How to Get to the Pyramid of Djedefre
The pyramid Abu Rawash is found in the area of Gebel el Ghigiga on the western bank of the Nile valley. The pyramid is located in the magnificent area of Abu Rawash on the northern part of Memphis necropolis, just on the outskirts of modern-day Cairo. The Djedefre is 8 km northwest of Giza.
Pyramid of Djedefre History
The pyramid of Pharaoh Djedefre is created in the 4th dynasty of the old kingdom of Egypt (2613 - 2494 BC) by the ruler Djedefra (2566_2558 BC) which is often compared in size to the pyramid of Menkaure. This true pyramid was known as Djedefre's starry sky. The northernmost pyramid of Egypt mostly consists of ruins found In Abu Rawash.
The location is under a number of heavy excavations since the early days between 1900 and 1902 where a number of funerary, and statuary ruins, a boat bit that held red quartzite statuary pieces that include three painted heads from statues of Djedefra, and many more.
Djedefre's Reign
Pharaoh Djedefre (2566_2558 BC) was the son and successor to king Khufu the creator of the great pyramid of Giza of the 4th who was famous during the Hellenistic period by the name Rhatoisēs as it was referred to by the historian Manetho. The name Djedefra is known as "Sehedu Star". His reign lasted from 8 to 14 years and he was known as the son of Ra. His Consort was known as Hetepheres II and Khentetka plus his Children were known as Setka, Baka, Hernet, Neferhetepes, Hetepheres, and Nikaudjedefre.
His name was mentioned in the Turin king's list which was able to shed light on his life and creations. Many believe the sphinx was built by him but this information was never confirmed. Egyptologists believe that he may have been responsible for the downfall of the 4th dynasty, as his rule was followed by a period of instability and weak pharaohs.
Pyramid of Djedefre Architecture
The pyramid of Djedefre has all the main features within its magnificent complex which include the main pyramid, mortuary temple, satellite pyramid, enclosure wall, boat pit, and causeway. The pyramid was created over a natural mound and all the chambers across the pyramid were constructed using the pit and ramp method. The mound that the pyramid was built on, holds symbolic value as it resembles the primeval mound of the ben-ben and is able to shed light on the most magical ancient Egyptian creation and mythical tales.
It is classified as a true pyramid which used to have the original height of 67 m making it one of the smallest of the ancient Egyptian pyramids and the present height of 11.4 m in its ruined state which stands on a base of 106 m and volume of 131,043 m3 plus a slope of 51° to 52°. The pyramid was built over a pit that measures 21m x 9m and 20m deep that held the ramp used to create the chambers. The pyramid had no tunnels and the chambers within its body had no structural complications of any kind.
A number of construction methods were made like building a rectangular enclosure wall aligned at the direction of north-south which can be seen across the pyramids of Sekhemkhet and Djoser. Across the natural mounds of the area are a number of sun temples and many pyramids. All across the pyramid are many workshops and vital structures such as worker's housing, bakeries, grain stores, and a brewery.
Theories & Facts About the Pyramid of Djedefre
The pyramid has been the subject of many theories as many believe the pyramid was left unfinished and if it was completed, it would have had the same size as the pyramid of Menkaure. It would have been the most beautiful of the pyramids which have an exterior of very imported and polished limestone, and granite plus held a large pyramidion. Some suggest that the pyramid served as a tomb for Djedefre, while others believe it was used for religious or ceremonial purposes.
Some theories suggest that the pyramid was constructed using different techniques than those used in the construction of the pyramids at Giza, while others believe that the same techniques were used. There is evidence that the pyramid was deliberately destroyed and its stone blocks were used for other building projects, including the construction of the nearby city of Memphis. Some experts believe that the pyramid was moved from its original location, but its exact location is not known.
Some believe it was deconstructed during the Roman Empire by the Roman Emperor Augustus. The destruction of the pyramid occurred at the end of the New Kingdom of Egypt and Roman & early Christian eras and was used as a quarry to harness stones. In the 19th century AD, the stones were carried away every single day to be used in construction projects.
Conclusion
The pyramid of Djedefre is one of the rarest and most magical archaeological marvels ever created in the history of the ancient Egyptian civilization that stood the endless powers of time that continues to be an important site for researchers and tourists, providing valuable insights into the architecture and construction techniques of ancient Egypt. One of our Egypt holiday packages and Nile River cruises will lead everyone across the magnificent famous and hidden wonders found in Egypt such as this magnificent archaeological gem that shed light on the innovation behind the Egyptian pyramid construction techniques.
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