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| The Meidum Pyramid of Sneferu |
The Meidum Pyramid of
Sneferu locate near the Faiyum area processed as a royal necropolis for the 3rd and 4th Dynasties. A step pyramid at Meidum was likely started by
Huni (r. 2599-2575 B.C.E.) and completed by Sneferu (r. 2575-2551 B.C.E.). This pyramid was erected on an earthen platform and was composed originally of eight layers. The construction collapsed some time later, possibly as late as the
New Kingdom (1550-1070 B.C.E.). The external casing, however, was hurt and collapsed during construction. The mummies of different individuals were discovered in the leaving debris. Interior passages and chambers led to a vertical shaft and a burying room, which was lined with limestone. The remains of a wooden coffin were discovered in this corbeled chamber, and a mortuary temple was also found on the east side of the pyramid, checking two rounded stelae. A causeway besides led to a valley temple.
A serial of
Fourth Dynasty (2575-2465 B.C.E.) Mastaba tombs surroundings the pyramid, some bearing spectacular reliefs and statuary. The famous
Meidum geese paintings were part of the reliefs in the grave of Nefermaat and his wife Atet. Near, the mastaba of Prince Rahotep and his wife Nofret disciplined a unique portrait title statue group. The pictures and statues are in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. A
Fifth Dynasty (2465-2323 B.C.E.) mummy was also observed in Meidum.
