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| Egypt Flights Home » Pyramids in Egypt »The Pyramid of Shepseskaf |
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The Pyramid of Shepseskaf |
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Egyptians have always been proud to have such a rich history. The Pyramids, which the whole world talks about, are considered integral part of the Egyptian culture. The Pyramid of Shepseskaf may not be amongst the famous Pyramids, yet, its historical significance cannot be doubted. Also known as the Mastaba of Shepseskaf, it was built during the reign of Shepseskaf, the last pharaoh of Dynasty IV and the son of Menkaure. Although it is actually a tomb, yet the visitors count it as the Pyramid, since Shepseskaf did not prefer to build traditional Pyramid.
This excellent piece of architecture is believed to have housed the body of the dead king. This huge tomb is 99.6m on its longest side and has a width of 74.4m. The tourists who come to Egypt expect to pay a visit to this historical place. As you visit the Pyramid of Shepseskaf, you will find this huge structure which has been investigated by a number of archaeologists.
After Perring and Auguste Mariette, it was Gustave Jequier who conducted a detailed investigation of the tomb in1925. This enormous structure is build with blocks of limestone. The bottom course of the Pyramid of Shepseskaf is made of pink granite. It is to be noted that the mastaba has been built in two steps and was intentionally given the shape of a Lower Egyptian form of tomb.
As you enter the tomb you will find a sloping passage on its northern side, resembling a pyramid entrance. This will lead you to the corridor which was earlier blocked by three portcullis slabs. The subterranean antechamber, burial chamber and store-rooms of the Pyramid of Shepseskaf will let you discover some intricate designs of the ancient architects. The antechamber and the burial chamber is designed with false vault ceilings.
The burial chamber of the Mastaba of Shepseskaf houses fragments of Shepseskaf's dark basalt sarcophagus.
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The mastaba remained enclosed within two mudbrick walls, with the first one having Shepseskaf's mortuary temple and a large courtyard on the other side. The causeway of the Pyramid of Shepseskaf was constructed from white-painted mudbrick and it joined the mortuary temple.
People from different parts of the world come here to unravel the mystery as to the reason behind choosing this location and constructing a mastaba rather than adding one more to the list of pyramids in Egypt. Those who are interested to visit the Pyramid of Shepseskaf, can look forward to go on a camel ride or hire a car from the nearby towns.
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