The broken pyramid is a unique monument of Ancient Egypt. Pyramid Pyramid in Dakhshire (Egypt): Description, Sizes, Photo Pyramid Pyramid

16.08.2020

The South Pyramid in Dakhsure is called "broken", "cut" or "rhombid" for its incorrect shape. It differs from other pyramids of the ancient kingdom in that it has an entrance not only on the north side, which was the norm, but also the second entrance, which is open above, on the west side. The northern entrance is located at a height of about 12 m above the ground level, leads to an inclined corridor, which falls under the ground into two rooms with protrusions. Of these two rooms, through the mine leads to another small camera, which also has a ledge in the form of a roof. The entrances on the north side of the pyramid did during the ancient kingdom. It was associated with the religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. Why there was a need for the second, west, entrance - it remains a mystery. This pyramid did not find a trace of the presence of sarcophagus, which would be located in these rooms. The name of the Snofra was written in red paint in two places in the "broken" pyramid. Its name is found on the stele that stood inside the fence of a small pyramid.

To explain the non-standard form of the pyramid, the German Egyptologist Ludwig Borhardt (1863-1938) proposed its "theory of the growing". According to her, the king died unexpectedly and the angle of tilt the faces of the pyramid was sharply changed from 54 degrees 31 minutes to 43 degrees 21 minutes to quickly finish the work. Kurt Mendelson offered an alternative: the pyramid in the medum and the southern pyramid in Dakhshire were built at the same time, but an accident was happening in the medium - perhaps, after the rains, the cover fell - and this incident made it hurry to change the angle of the sides of the pyramid in Dakhshire, when it was built half.

Burial complex

The funeral complex consists of a large pyramid of Pharaoh and satellite pyramids. Both are surrounded by a stone wall in 2 meters thick. Stone fence is connected to the funeral temple of a long bulk road. The temple is located 704 meters from the pyramids, so it is called the meeting temple (or the temple of the valley). Moreover, the remains of another road derived from this temple deep into the valley to another temple were found. This location of the objects of the funeral complex is unique and anywhere else in Egypt is no longer found.

Pyramid

Height: 105.07 m (~ 200 royal elbows)
Foundation side length: 188.60 m (~ 360 royal elbows)
Perimeter: 754.4 m;
Area: 35 570 m2
Volume: 1 237 040 m3
Tilt angle: 54 ° 34 "and 43 ° 21"
Angular coefficient: lower part - 7/5; Top - 17/18.
The orientation of the sides of the pyramid on four sides of the light (error): ~ 9 "12"
There are 2 entrances: from the North side - at an altitude of 11 m. And with Western - at a height of 33 m.

Name of the pyramid: N28-O24-M24 Pronunciation: CHA (ḫˁ)

1 Stage of construction

Archaeologists found out that the pyramid was rebuilt three times. The fact that it is confirmed by the location of the stone blocks. The pyramid was rebuilt with the aim of giving it a more sustainable design, but it turned out completely differently. Perestroika led to an increase in the pressure of blocks on the internal chambers, which led to the appearance of cracks and even the real possibility of collapse.

At the first stage, the base side had a length of 157 m, and the angle of inclination is about 58 ° (or 60 °). With such values \u200b\u200bof the base and angle, the height of the pyramid would be about 125 m.

When half the pyramid was already collected, problems were found with the fortress of the whole design and the builders had to abandon the initial plan.

At the first stage, about 12.70 m. Input tunnels (downward corridor) and approximately 11.60 m. Rising corridor.

2 Stage of construction

To improve the reliability of the construction, builders had to reduce the angle of inclination to 54 °. Accordingly, it was possible to increase the length of the base of the pyramid by 15.70 m. Now the total length of the base began to be 188 m. Calculations show that at an angle of 54 ° and the base length of 188 m. The height of the pyramid would be 129.4 m, and the volume - 1.592.718,453 m3. However, at an altitude of 49 m. Construction stops again.

3 Stage of construction

In order to reduce the load on the inner chambers of the pyramid, at the third stage of construction, the tilt only the upper part of the pyramid was changed - it was reduced to 43 °. Due to the decrease in the angle of inclination, the overall height of the pyramid has decreased - up to 105 m.

Northern entrance to the pyramid

Western entrance to the pyramid

Western entrance to the pyramid is absolutely unique and has no analogues as in the sense of direction, so in the sense and safety. He comes out on the west side of the pyramid with intact trim, and had a preserved shut-off swivel plate, masking him. The stove was removed and transferred to the Egyptian Museum in the 50s of the 20th century. Thanks to its safety, we can now know exactly how the entrances to the pyramids were arranged and masked.

Features of the pyramid

The pyramid contains 2 actually connected in itself (initially) the system of premises - upper and lower. The move between them was broken after construction through layers of masonry. Currently, the design of these premises looks very strange, but it is caused by the fact that in the premises (probably ancient diggers) are broken and removed huge amounts of floors and structures lying on the floors. For example, according to the preserved traces of cement in the form of steps in the lowest chamber, it becomes clear that there was a very cool stone staircase before moving to the camera above. In the chamber above there was also a high floor or pedestal, and the bottom "window" into the vertical well was not available for the Pharaoh contemporaries. In the upper rooms, in the so-called. The king chamber, now visible a large array of spacer beams from the Lebanese cedar. In the original, this system was deeply recessed in the masonry and the floor of the camera. Radio carbon analysis of the tree indicated the approximate time of creating the pyramid and the reign of the Snofer.

Pyramid-satellite

South of the broken pyramid at a distance of 55 meters is a small pyramid (or pyramid-satellite). It is assumed that it was created for the "ka" (soul) of Pharaoh.

Initial pyramid sizes: Height - 26 m. (Now 23 m), the length of the parties is 52.80 m. The angle of inclination of its sides is 44 ° 3 "(which is almost identical to the angle of inclination.) Laying of stone blocks of this pyramid is satisfied primitive, and Blocks are roughly processed. As it was clarified by scientists, the limestone for the pyramid was delivered from Tourah - the southern suburb of Cairo, located on eastern Bank Nile (from there they took the limestone by the pharaohs of the late and middle kingdom for the construction of their assfilms). Unlike the broken pyramid, this one no longer has cladding and very quickly collapses from erosion.

The entrance to the pyramid is located on the north side at an altitude of 1.10 m above the ground and starts with a downward tunnel. This tunnel goes under the tilt of 34 ° and has a length of 11.60 m. Then there is a short horizontal corridor. Next, the corridor begins to go up at an angle of 32 ° 30.

Horizontally downward passage (above it) was found tunnel and stone blocks in it. According to the construction of builders, the blocks were to roll along the inclined plane (32 ° 30 ") and block the path to the ascending tunnel. Today, two blocks are still visible. At the end of this passage there is a small wastewhere.

This pyramid has one feature - on the walls and semi are numerous red lines of unknown nature.

The location of the premises of the pyramid resembles their location in the Hueops pyramid. Here the ascending corridor precedes the gallery, and at the end of the gallery there is an entrance to the burial chamber. The camera is only 1.6 m long, it was not detected by sarcophagus and, apparently, the pyramid was never used as a tomb. In the southeastern corner of the premises, a shallow pit (4 meters) is visible, diverted by presumably treasurers.

This is the only pyramid-satellite of such large sizes and with such a complex system of arrangement of internal cameras.

Herbert Ricke originally suggested that this pyramid was the tomb of Queen Hietepheres. However, modern researchers think otherwise, because no traces of what ever was used as a tomb had not been discovered. The appointment of this pyramid is rather a cult (Rainer Stadelmann) - conducting rituals and committing sacrifices. Confirms this hypothesis also that not far from the east side was discovered alabaster altar with two 5-meter steles on the sides.

Upper temple

With the eastern side of the pyramid there are remnants of a small temple. Two destroyed 9-meter limestone steles with the name of the Snofra were found here. One of the stele can be seen in the Cairo Museum. The temple has never been used as a tomb, but only as a venue for religious rites. Archaeologists found out that the temple was repeatedly reconstructed - first at the XII dynasty, and then at a late period. This proves that the Snofer was the object of the Egyptian worship for several thousand years.

Bulk road

Temple of the valley

Some researchers believe that this pyramid served as a tomb for the wife of Pharaoh, Queen Hietepheres, others are convinced: this is a tomb for the centers with royal insides, the third adhere to hypotheses: this construction was a tomb for the royal ka. Be that as it may, the companion stands out among other pyramids and worthy of more attention.

* Photos: O. Kozlova and A. Puchkov.

Somewhere in Dakhshire ...

The satellite of the broken pyramid Snofer is a full-fledged pyramid of the Dakhshur complex, despite its small size. In addition, this pyramid-companion is the largest of all famous companions.

The length of the base of the base is 53 m, and the height of the structure is 26 m. It is located on the south side of the main pyramid and the tourists almost do not notice it.

It looks like a satellite

The structure is very destroyed, the massive foundation and the remains of the facing are visible.

Interior design scheme

Before climbing it.

In the 50s of the 20th century, the Egyptian archaeologist A. Fakhri found a stele (strongly damaged), where the king of Snofra is depicted.

Now this stele, partly restored (collected parts found and the basis for sustainability) is painted in the courtyard of the Cairo Museum.

By destroyed from time and erosion, limestone blocks can be climbed on the top of the pyramid: it opens a more advanced view of the broken.

As well as a view of the east, where the black pyramid of Amenhehet III is visible.

View of the southern sands of Dakhshura.

On the north side of the companion at the level of 1.1 m in the pyramid, locked with iron doors.

The view of the entrance is top

So, now it's time to descend inside. The doors are open, and the mine without stairs and railing rushes down with a slope of 34 °, a length of 11 m, where the mountains of garbage visible on the short horizontal section of the passage. I began to descend the mine and not to fly down, I found a notch in blocks where you could fix my legs. Going down, I noticed like a wall in the dark something crawled from me. This animal seemed like a thick and large lizard, and it was a bit nice that she crawled not in my direction. Despite my fears, the descent was not difficult.

A minute later reached the horizontal section of the mine. Here is the side of a couple of scaffolding of incomprehensible origin: Most likely, the robbers were looking for no placement. Next: 15 meter rise at an angle of 32 ° in the burial chamber.

A look towards the lift inspires some unusual feeling of fear: a huge block, and to be more accurate, their two, lying at the end of the mines and occupy almost a third of the rising passage. The block closest to us, as if threatened to move, without anyone, shifting all his bones. This is a portcille - part of a stone device, locking the passage to the pyramid, which was not actually powered. At the end of the block - the "bleeding" dark spot is apparently the same origin, as well as the leaks in other Pyramids of Dakhshura with a large content of iron.

A rope hangs from the block, which is passed through the angular block of the camera, and it is easier to reach the end of the portcili. Photo: O. Kozlova.

The rope appeared relatively recently, but it was most likely another. Here the passage of the passage is doubled, and this place becomes like a completely independent room - the pre-booth.

If you look in the opposite direction, then it becomes relatively understandable for which all this design is. The structure of this part of the pass is that if the locking unit slides down and it will enter the passage of the same size, then it will forever close the entrance to the burial chamber forever. Of course, if you are at this time in the chamber of the pyramid, then you will have no sweet ... Although if he is eating right now, he will smear the adventure crawl throughout the passage.

You assure yourself in this that the block is not going to go down ...

Before continuing the path, I note that the portcili block at the bottom there is a small groove, in the side walls of the pre-booms large round recesses on the same level, in which the safety logs were inserted, two legs for the legs.

As usual, in such places, a lot of dust.

In order not to move down, but the legs greatly slide on the sand and dust, I hold down the rope and remove the photo equipment in the backpack so that when I start climbing the block, do not harm it. With some difficulty I climb on this hanging unit, after which, without releasing the rope from the hands, I achieve the funeral chamber of the pyramid-companion.

The room is quite small and the quality of the finishing of the internal blocks is better than that of other pyramids. Mine from the south side, depth 4 m, punched by robbers one of the version.

In the corner stone a hole and a rope that we climb into the chamber.

The high vaulted ceiling of the height of meters 7, is done very well: smooth and not damaged.

Red lines are visible on well-preserved walls: marks ancient builders.

Maximum wide-angle overview for the camera

You can go down in the mine ...

... But besides the skeleton there is nothing interesting. Photo: A. Puchkov

Traces of processing ... But it is not clear, traces of builders or robbers. Photo: A. Puchkov

In the process

In the process, removed from the mine. Photo: A. Puchkov

More red marks in the mine. Most likely, also builders: similar were in hard-to-reach places in the broken pyramid. Photo: A. Puchkov

On the edges of the protruding blocks, smooth traces of dark brown. Someone can see red spiders.

There are red lines and on the ceiling of the pre-stop, in the passage above the portcille.

This is how you have to wade through the mine.

An interesting feature! Mine looks across the top of the pyramid. Photo: A. Puchkov

On the remnants of facing blocks traces of builders.

Interesting moment! Opposite the entrance. There are versions that the companion and the main pyramid are connected by the aisles that are not yet open.

And something like the most broken pyramid.

It's time to leave this pyramid. Despite the fact that the pyramid is small, she takes a lot of strength. I am wet from sweat and all in dust ... A modest companion delivers a lot of emotions and indelible impressions.

Pyramids always cause many questions related to both construction technologies and with the destination, and a companion, no exception. There is a lot of interesting things in it, what is worth thinking about.

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The South Pyramid in Dakhsure is called "broken", "cut" or "rhombid" for its incorrect shape.

JON BODSWORTH, GREEN COPYRIGHT

It differs from other pyramids of the ancient kingdom in that it has an entrance not only on the north side, which was the norm, but also the second entrance, which is open above, on the west side. The northern entrance is located at a height of about 12 m above the ground level, leads to an inclined corridor, which falls under the ground into two rooms with protrusions. Of these two rooms, through the shaft leads a pass to another small camera, which also has a protrusion in the form of a roof.

Magnus Manske, CC BY-SA 3.0

Inputs on the north side of the pyramid did during. It was associated with the religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. Why there was a need for the second, west, entrance - it remains a mystery. This pyramid did not find a trace of the presence of sarcophagus, which would be located in these rooms. The name of the Snofra was written in red paint in two places in the "broken" pyramid. Its name is found on the stele that stood inside the fence of a small pyramid.

Kurt Mendelson offered an alternative: the pyramid in the medum and the southern pyramid in Dakhshire were built at the same time, but an accident was happening in the medium - perhaps, after the rains, the cover fell - and this incident made it hurry to change the angle of the sides of the pyramid in Dakhshire, when it was built half.

Burial complex

The temple is located 704 meters from the pyramids, so it is called the meeting temple (or the temple of the valley). Moreover, the remains of another road derived from this temple deep into the valley to another temple were found. This location of the objects of the funeral complex is unique and anywhere else in Egypt is no longer found.

GDK, GNU 1.2
	Pyramid Pyramid-satellite Upper temple Bulk road Temple of the valley

JON BODSWORTH, GREEN COPYRIGHT