Summary of the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur
Unravel the mystery behind Egypt's enigmatic Bent Pyramid at Dahshur.
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the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Pharaoh Sneferu
Imhotep
Construction Workers
1. Pharaoh Sneferus Vision
2. The Bent Pyramids Unique Design
3. Adjusting the Angle
4. Mysterious Chambers Inside
5. The Red Pyramids Influence
6. Significance of the Bent Pyramid
7. Restoration Efforts
8. Tourist Attraction
9. Ongoing Research
10. Legacy of the Bent Pyramid
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- What: A pyramid built by Pharaoh Sneferu in ancient Egypt, known for its unique shape with two distinct angles.
- When: Around 2600 BC during the Old Kingdom period of ancient Egypt.
- Who: Pharaoh Sneferu, the architect Imhotep, and the ancient Egyptian workforce.
- Outcome: The Bent Pyramid is considered an important transition in pyramid construction, leading to the development of the more famous smooth-sided pyramids like the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Famous Figures in the the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur
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Pharaoh Sneferu
Pharaoh Sneferu was the ruler of Egypt during the construction of the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur.
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Imhotep
Imhotep was the architect and chief engineer responsible for designing the Bent Pyramid.
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Hemiunu
Hemiunu was a renowned architect and royal relative who may have been involved in the construction of the Bent Pyramid.
Timeline of the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur
Pharaoh Sneferu orders the construction of the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur
Construction of the Bent Pyramid begins
The initial angle of the pyramid is too steep, causing structural issues
Construction is halted and the angle of the pyramid is adjusted to reduce stress on the structure
Construction resumes with a shallower angle, giving the pyramid its distinctive bent shape
The Bent Pyramid is completed and Pharaoh Sneferu is buried inside
The Bent Pyramid is the second pyramid built by Sneferu at Dahshur, after the Red Pyramid
The Bent Pyramid is one of the earliest examples of smooth-sided pyramids in Egypt
The interior chambers of the Bent Pyramid are explored and documented by archaeologists
Restoration work is carried out on the Bent Pyramid to stabilize the structure
The Bent Pyramid is opened to tourists for visits and exploration
The Bent Pyramid remains a popular tourist attraction in Egypt
Ongoing research and excavation continue to uncover new insights about the construction and purpose of the Bent Pyramid
Vocabulary List
- Pharaoh Sneferu
- The Pharaoh Sneferu commissioned the construction of the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur.
- Bent Pyramid
- The Bent Pyramid at Dahshur is a unique pyramid in Egypt due to its unusual shape with two different angles of inclination.
- Dahshur
- Dahshur is the location in Egypt where the Bent Pyramid was built during the Old Kingdom.
- Necropolis
- The area around the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur served as a necropolis for the burial of royalty and nobles.
- Limestone
- The Bent Pyramid at Dahshur was constructed using limestone blocks, which were quarried nearby.
- Red Pyramid
- The Red Pyramid, also built by Pharaoh Sneferu, is located near the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur.
- Mortuary temple
- A mortuary temple was built adjacent to the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur, where rituals and offerings could be made for the deceased Pharaoh.
- Step Pyramid
- The Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara served as an early prototype for the construction of subsequent pyramids in Egypt, including the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur.
- Corbelled vault
- The burial chamber inside the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur features a corbelled vault roof, a common architectural technique used in ancient Egyptian tombs.
- Sarcophagus
- A granite sarcophagus was found inside the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur, containing the remains of Pharaoh Sneferu.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- The Bent Pyramid is located in Dahshur, Egypt.
- The Bent Pyramid was built during the Old Kingdom of Egypt, around 2600 BC.
- The architect of the Bent Pyramid is believed to be Sneferu, the pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty.
- The Bent Pyramid is one of the earliest examples of a true pyramid in Egypt.
- The Bent Pyramid gets its name from its unique shape, with a change in angle halfway up the sides.
- The Bent Pyramid was originally constructed at a steeper angle, but was later adjusted to a shallower angle.
- The internal structure of the Bent Pyramid consists of a series of chambers and passageways.
- The Bent Pyramid was made of limestone blocks, with a casing of Tura limestone.
- The Bent Pyramid stands at a height of approximately 101 meters (331 feet).
- The Bent Pyramid was originally surrounded by a complex of buildings and temples.
- The Bent Pyramid is part of the Dahshur Necropolis, which also includes the Red Pyramid.
- The construction of the Bent Pyramid is believed to have been completed in a relatively short period of time.
- The Bent Pyramid is aligned with the cardinal points of the compass.
- The Bent Pyramid was likely used for religious and funerary purposes.
- The Bent Pyramid was originally covered in smooth white limestone casing stones.
- The Bent Pyramid has two entrances, one on the north side and one on the west side.
- The Bent Pyramid is surrounded by a moat, which may have had symbolic or practical significance.
- The Bent Pyramid is one of the best-preserved pyramids in Egypt.
- The Bent Pyramid was rediscovered and explored by archaeologists in the 19th century.
- The Bent Pyramid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Analysis & Significance
Immediate Consequences
The construction of the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur marked a significant shift in ancient Egyptian architectural techniques, as it was one of the first attempts at building a smooth-sided pyramid. This experimentation led to challenges in maintaining structural integrity, resulting in the pyramid’s bent appearance.
Long-Term Impact
The Bent Pyramid’s unique design and construction methods influenced subsequent pyramid projects in Egypt, such as the iconic Great Pyramid of Giza. It served as a learning opportunity for ancient Egyptian architects, helping them refine their techniques and achieve greater stability in future pyramid constructions.
Cultural Significance Today
The Bent Pyramid at Dahshur continues to be a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of the ancient Egyptians. It stands as a reminder of the architectural prowess of this civilization and serves as a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its distinctive design and historical significance.
the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur Games
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