Scientists Find the Remains of a ‘Lost’, 3,700-Year-Old Egyptian Pyramid

Archaeologists in Egypt have made another sensational discovery as they have found the remains of a 3,700-year old Pyramid south of Cairo.

Hieroglyphic text engraved on the discovered block (Ministry of Antiquities)

According to experts, the Pyramid in ruins—found some 40 kilometers south of Cario—could be one of ancient Egypt’s first attempts at building a smooth-sided pyramid.

The newly found structure is located in the vicinity of the famous bent pyramid of King Snefru.

An Egyptian archaeological mission has discovered the remains of a pyramid from the Pharaonic XIII dynasty (1795-1650 BC), in an excavation at the necropolis of Dahshur, south of Cairo. According to the director of the Egyptian Antiquities Department, Mahmud Afif, quoted in a statement, the discovery was been made north of the pyramid of King Seneferu, from the 4th dynasty (2613-2494 BCE).

The ground at which the pyramid was discovered/ Ministry of Antiquities

The Bent Pyramid is considered a unique example of early pyramid development in Egypt, this was the second pyramid built by Sneferu. It is also unique amongst the approximately ninety pyramids to be found in Egypt, in that its original polished limestone outer casing remains largely intact.

According to the head of the central administration of Giza and Cairo, Alaa al Shahat, the uncovered part of the pyramid is in a good state of conservation. Al Shahat expressed his belief that the excavation will soon reveal other parts of the structure. The site excavated so far shows an area inside the mausoleum consisting of a corridor that descends to the bottom of the pyramid.

Furthermore, experts have found a chamber that is connected with a ramp located in the southern parts of the pyramid with a room located in the western parts of the structure.

As Adel Okasha, the head of Dahshur necropolis, explains, the remains of the structure belong to the inner parts of the pyramid and include a corridor.

Other remains including blocks showing the interior design of the pyramid have also been found.

The corridor discovered on Monday at Dahshur/Ministry of Antiquities

“The structure seems to be composed of a corridor that leads to the inside of the pyramid and a hall leading to a southern ramp; this, in addition to a room, found at the western end,” Okasha said.

“An alabaster… block engraved with 10 vertical hieroglyphic lines” was among the discovery, the ministry said, citing Adel Okasha, director general at the necropolis.

It said, “granite lintel and stone blocks showing the interior design of the pyramid” were also found.

Right now, excavations are still in early stages and the exact dimensions of the pyramid have not been established by experts.
SOURCE: http://www.ewao.com/a/scientists-find-remains-lost-3700-year-old-egyptian-pyramid/