Images in this photo gallery are from Saqqara and Dahshur, two ancient royal necropolises near the ancient Egyptian capital Memphis that host world famous monumental pyramids from the third Dynasty that predate those at Giza. Memphis and its Necropolis and the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Saqqara and Dahshur are together a designated Unesco World Heritage Site.
Highlights:
The step pyramid of Djoser at the royal necropolis complex of Saqqara. Pharaoh King Djoser is...
more »Images in this photo gallery are from Saqqara and Dahshur, two ancient royal necropolises near the ancient Egyptian capital Memphis that host world famous monumental pyramids from the third Dynasty that predate those at Giza. Memphis and its Necropolis and the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Saqqara and Dahshur are together a designated Unesco World Heritage Site.
Highlights:
The step pyramid of Djoser at the royal necropolis complex of Saqqara. Pharaoh King Djoser is considered the founder of third dynasty (2691 to 2625 BC). Dating from the 27th century BC, the step pyramid is the first attempt of pyramid building and the prototype for all following pyramids. Designed by the great architect and engineer Imhotep, the 60 metre high building comprises of six layers (mastaba) on top of each other and is the oldest structure in the world completely built of stone.
The Red Pyramid at Dahshur, the world's first monument to have the prefect classical true pyramidal form. The third largest Pyramid in the world and named after the warm reddish hue of its weather-beaten limestone, the pyramid was built by King Sneferu (2613-2589), founder of the fourth dynasty and father of Cheops (Khufu) and predates the Giza pyramids.
The Bent or Rhomboid pyramid at Dahshur with much of its outer white limestone casing practically intact. The pyramid was built by King Sneferu (2613-2589), founder of the fourth dynasty and father of Cheops (Khufu) and predates the Giza pyramids. The bent pyramid owes its name to the fact that half way up, the walls change dramatically from one angle of incline to another. Had the angle not changed the pyramid would have reached an impractical excessive height.
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