The Bent Pyramid, built by Pharaoh Sneferu around 2600 BCE, is a key example of ancient Egyptian architectural innovation. It marks a transition from step pyramids to smooth-sided pyramids. Despite engineering challenges, the pyramid's design remains a testament to ancient ingenuity. Built with limestone and retaining much of its polished casing, it was part of Sneferu’s grand vision. The pyramid, along with its satellite pyramid, mortuary temple, and internal chambers, offers valuable insights into the evolution of pyramid construction and Egyptian spiritual practices.
The Bent Pyramids are one of the first attempts of the ancient Egyptians to create something extraordinary that can stand the test of time. This article's main purpose is to offer every traveller all the information and facts about the wonders of the Bent Pyramid. This article was written by a group of very skilled and knowledgeable tour guides, Egyptologists, and travel consultants who know all the details surrounding the Great Bent Pyramid.Â
The Bent Pyramid was one of the first Pyramids to be ever built in ancient Egyptian history. The Bent Pyramid is a hidden gem that many travellers from all over the world seek to explore in great detail. The Bent Pyramid is known for its unusual shape, design, and brilliant design plus as one of the stepping stones for the construction process of the Egyptian pyramids. Many historians and Egyptologists have noted that the Bent Pyramid can showcase the evolution of how the pyramids of Egypt came to be.Â
The Bent Pyramid was built by "Pharaoh Sneferu", father of Khufu, the builder of the Great Pyramid in 2600 BC during the 4th dynasty, and was known as “The Southern Shining Pyramid”. The Bent pyramids are Sneferu's second attempt to construct a smooth-sided true pyramid, but unfortunately, it was filled with many engineering issues.
It is considered to be a transitional pyramid rather than a true pyramid, between step-sided and smooth-sided pyramids. Due to its original steep angle, signs of instability appeared during construction, leading the builders to switch to a shallower angle to prevent collapse. Sneferu’s abandonment of the Meidum Pyramid may reflect a shift in ideology, moving from viewing the pyramid as a staircase to the stars to a symbol of the solar cult and primeval mound.Â
The Bent Pyramid is unique among Egypt's approximately 90 pyramids for retaining much of its original polished limestone casing, which was removed over time. The name of the pyramid is "Snfrw Kha Sneferu," which means "Sneferu is shining in the south” or “Sneferu is shining,” which was clad in polished Tura limestone.
The Bent Pyramids are constructed in the desert on the west bank of the Nile, 40 km "25 mi" south of Cairo in the city of Dahshur.
The material used for building the bent pyramid is Limestone, not mud brick. The Height of the Bent Pyramid is 104.71 metres (344 ft; 200 cu), beneath the bend is 47.04 metres (154 ft; 90 cu), and above the bend is 57.67 metres (189 ft; 110 cu). The Base of the bent pyramid is 189.43 metres (621 ft; 362 cu) at the base, 123.58 metres (405 ft; 236 cu) at the bend. The Volume of the Bent Pyramid is 1,237,040 cubic metres (43,685,655 cu ft). The Slope of the bent pyramid is 54°27′44″ below the bend and 43°22′ above the bend.
The pyramid is called bent due to miscalculations & engineering problems regarding the structure and the limestone blocks which led to the weight of the entire pyramid being distributed inappropriately which resulted in the bottom section has of an angle of 54 degrees while the top half inclines 43 degrees causing the structure to be known as "The Bent Pyramid".
Recent conclusions suggest that the slope change was not due to structural defects but geometric constraints. The initial steep angle made it difficult to construct stable ramps as the pyramid rose. To maintain a feasible ramp structure, builders reduced the angle to manage the geometry, as models and calculations were unavailable at the time. This geometric consideration also influenced future pyramids, which never exceeded a 53° gradient.
One of the most unusual and unique constructions in Egypt and Probably the world is the bent "Blunted" Pyramid, built as the tomb of Pharaoh Sneferu (2575-2551 BC) the father of king Khufu, it was built as his second Pyramid as part of Sneferu's plan to create an evolution to the pyramid construction and increase all the architectural innovation of the era.Â
It represents both a tomb and a reflection of changing spiritual and architectural concepts in ancient Egypt. The Bent Pyramid holds deeper historical significance due to its unique features and symbolic purposes. While designed as a burial place, the pyramid reflects evolving religious ideologies, marking a shift from step-sided pyramids to smooth-sided ones, symbolizing the solar cult and the sun god Ra.Â
Its bent shape highlights architectural experimentation with stability. The pyramid also symbolizes the union of heaven and earth, embodying Egypt's cosmic and religious beliefs.
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The Bent Pyramid was constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Snefru, a.k.a Snofru or Soris (2620-2547 BC), who was the founder of the and the first Pharaoh of Egypt 4th Dynasty ( 2575 – 2465 BCE). He married Queen Hetepheres I, who was the mother of his son, Khufu, the founder of the Great Pyramids of Giza. He ruled Egypt for 24 years, from 2613 B.C. to 2589 B.C. He made many military campaigns to the lands of Nubia and Libya, and he constructed the first Egyptian ship, which was named "Praise of the Two Lands".Â
He constructed three pyramids, the Red Pyramid, the Bent Pyramid, and the Medium Pyramid, which are located in the city of Dahshur. King Sneferu is considered one of the most innovative builders in ancient Egyptian history, responsible for developing the true smooth-sided pyramid structure. The Bent Pyramid was an experimental design, and its unusual shape starts at a steep angle and then slopes at a shallower angle halfway up, which is thought to be the result of structural concerns.Â
Scholars believe that the original angle of the pyramid (54 degrees) was too steep, causing instability. To avoid collapse, the builders adjusted the angle to 43 degrees partway through the construction. This change in angle is what gives the pyramid its distinctive "bent" shape. Pharaoh Sneferu’s experimentation with pyramid construction laid the foundation for his successor, Khufu, to build the Great Pyramid at Giza, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The Bent Pyramid is considered the first true pyramid ever built, with a limestone polished design with smooth sides, the first of its kind. The Bent Pyramid complex is surrounded by an enclosure wall formed from yellowish-grey local limestone. The Bent Pyramid is 105 m (344 ft) with 54 degrees to 43 degrees, approximately one-third up to its full peak, because the angle was changed to avoid the structure collapsing after noticing signs of weakness in it, and the solution was to change its angle.
The Bent Pyramid underwent three distinct construction phases. The pyramid was laid out with a square base with precision, aligning it to the cardinal points (north, south, east, and west). The Egyptians had a steep pyramid with a base length of 157 meters and an angle of about 58° to 60°, which would have reached a height of 125 meters. Â
This steep design was impractical and was only partially built. Indirect evidence of this phase is found in the offset points within the descending corridors. The ancient Egyptians used ramps made of mudbrick, stone, or wood to move the heavy limestone blocks into place. The heavy blocks weigh tons, so they were dragged on sleds, lubricated with water to reduce friction, and pulled by large teams of laborers.Â
In the second phase, the angle was reduced to 54°, extending the base to 188 meters. The builders continued using inclined wall layers, similar to step pyramids, as trapezoidal stones were not yet produced. If maintained, this inclination would have resulted in a height of 129.4 meters, making the pyramid the third tallest in the world. However, construction stopped at 49 meters, and fine Tura limestone was used for facing.
The third & final phase saw the angle reduced to 43°, which is also the same angle of the Red Pyramid and later pyramids, with horizontal masonry layers. This change created the unique "bent" shape. The total height became 105 meters, with a volume of 1.44 million cubic meters. The upper portion also featured Tura limestone cladding.
The Bent Pyramid offers a unique and fascinating exploration into ancient Egyptian architecture as it is one of the few that still retains much of its original smooth limestone casing, giving it a distinct appearance. The pyramid from the inside features a complex internal structure that includes several chambers, passageways, and unique architectural designs.
When entering the Bent Pyramid, everyone can walk through its narrow tunnels and climb down steep passageways to explore the two main chambers. The first chamber is located at a height of about 12 meters above the base, and the second chamber is directly beneath it, at the pyramid's core. These chambers are connected by a series of passageways, and both have high, corbel-vaulted ceilings, which are designed to relieve the weight of the pyramid’s massive stone blocks.
The eerie silence inside the pyramid is totally captivating, as well as the dramatic difference in temperature between the hot, arid exterior and the cool, stone interior. The Bent Pyramid also has an unusual feature: a secondary entrance located on its northern face, which is not common in other pyramids, adding to its architectural intrigue.Â
The northern chamber of the Bent Pyramid has a hole in the roof, accessed by a long, unstable ladder, which leads to a rough passage connecting to the western entrance. The western entrance passage is blocked by two stone blocks that slid down ramps, unlike the typical vertical lowering in other pyramids. One block was lowered in antiquity, with a hole cut through it, while the other is still held up by ancient cedar wood.
Inside the chambers, a row of cedar beams has sparked debate. While some interpret them as structural supports for potential issues, they were part of a funerary support system, with no structural function, as some beams are set in mortar.
The interior of the Bent Pyramid is known for its complex system of chambers, tunnels, and passageways, which reflect the early development of pyramid construction in ancient Egypt. The pyramid has two main entrances, as mentioned before, one on the north face and another on the west face, each leading to different sections of the pyramid's interior.
The northern entrance, which is located about 11 meters above ground level, leads to a descending passageway that ends in an antechamber. Everyone can access the upper chamber, which has a corbelled ceiling. This chamber is quite spacious and is thought to have been designed to hold the pharaoh’s sarcophagus, but no burial remains have been found in this chamber.
The western entrance leads to a second, lower chamber located at the pyramid’s base. This chamber is also accessed by a steep descending passage. The lower chamber is smaller and less elaborate than the upper one but features similar corbelled vaulting. This chamber is connected to the upper chamber through a sloping passageway.
The passages between the chambers are narrow and steep, making the pyramid a challenge. These passageways were likely designed to be difficult to navigate, possibly as a security measure to deter tomb robbers. The tunnels also highlight the structural engineering challenges faced by ancient builders, as they had to support the massive weight of the pyramid while carving out these internal spaces.
Despite the elaborate internal design, no sarcophagus or human remains have been discovered in the Bent Pyramid. This has led some scholars to suggest that Sneferu may not have been buried here, or that the tomb was looted back in the day. It's also possible that the Bent Pyramid was never intended to serve as Sneferu's final resting place, and that it was abandoned as a tomb once construction of the more stable Red Pyramid was completed.
The satellite pyramid is situated 55 meters south of the Bent Pyramid, which is believed to have been constructed to house the pharaoh's ka (spirit). It stands 26 meters high and 52.8 meters long, its faces are inclined at an angle of 44°30'. The pyramid is built from thick limestone blocks arranged in horizontal layers and covered with fine Tura limestone. Its burial chamber is accessed via a descending corridor that begins 1.1 meters above ground on the northern face.Â
This 11.6-meter-long corridor inclined at 34° leads to a short horizontal passage, which connects to an ascending corridor sloped at 32°30', ultimately leading to the central burial chamber. The corridor of the satellite pyramid design mirrors that of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Inside the burial chamber, a corbel-vaulted ceiling is found along with a 4-meter-deep shaft in the southeast corner, likely dug by treasure hunters. Like the Bent Pyramid, the satellite pyramid also featured an altar on its eastern side, flanked by two stelae.
There is a mortuary temple found on the east corner of the pyramid that was constructed in Tura limestone and later enlarged with mudbricks. The temple had an altar which was made from two large steles and three large blocks of limestone resembling the hieroglyph “htp” or “hotep,” which means offering.
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the Bent Pyramid represents a pivotal moment in Egypt's architectural history, as the ancients Egyptians transited to the straight-sided pyramids
Many sarcophagus and mummies were discovered in a preserved condition, as well as stone-cutting instruments.
The Bent Pyramid is very real and found at Dahshur, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Cairo. The Southern Shining Pyramid was built during the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu around 2600 BC, during the Old Kingdom period. It is one of Egypt's most unique and visually distinctive pyramids due to its unusual shape.
Unlike other pyramids that possess smooth, straight sides, the Bent Pyramid has a noticeable change in angle about halfway up its sides, giving it a "bent" appearance. The Bent Pyramid marks an important transitional stage in pyramid development and is considered one of the best-preserved pyramids from the Old Kingdom.
The Bent Pyramid was built using limestone blocks, with much of the construction materials being sourced locally from quarries near Dahshur. With careful planning, the builders laid out a square base with precision, aligning it to the cardinal points (north, south, east, and west). The initial design aimed for a smooth-sided pyramid, which was an advancement from the earlier step pyramid designs.
The pyramid was constructed in phases, with each course of limestone blocks placed in layers. The lower section of the pyramid was built at a steep 54-degree angle. However, it is believed that structural issues, such as cracks forming in the lower layers, may have caused the builders to change the design mid-construction. To prevent the pyramid from collapsing under its own weight, they reduced the angle to 43 degrees, leading to the bent shape.
Like other pyramids, it is believed that the Bent Pyramid was built using an inclined ramp system. Workers likely used ramps made of mudbrick, stone, or wood to move the heavy limestone blocks into place. The blocks, which could weigh several tons, were dragged on sleds, lubricated with water to reduce friction, and pulled by large teams of laborers.
The outer casing of the Bent Pyramid was covered with fine Tura limestone, making it one of the smoothest pyramids of its time. Much of the casing stones have been lost over time, but a significant portion remains, offering a glimpse into the original appearance of the pyramid.
Visitors can go inside the Bent Pyramid and access two main chambers and a series of passageways. The interior of the Bent Pyramid offers a rare glimpse into the construction techniques and architectural innovations of the ancient Egyptians. The northern entrance is located about 12 meters above ground level, leads to a narrow passageway that descends into the first chamber.
This chamber has a corbelled roof, a characteristic feature of Old Kingdom pyramid interiors. Another corridor connects the first chamber to the second chamber, located higher up in the pyramid. Due to the steep, narrow passageways, entering the Bent Pyramid can be physically demanding, and it is not recommended for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia.
The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt.
If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD in cash, as for the E-Visa for 30 day you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could also be one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90 days. Read more about Egypt travel visa.
Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish.
The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made.
You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
We have been creating the finest vacations for more than 20 years around the most majestic destinations in Egypt. Our staff consists of the best operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort to make you have the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time consultants to fit your every possible need during your vacation. It doesn't go without saying that your safety and comfort are our main priority and all of our resources will be directed to provide the finest atmosphere until you return home.
You will feel safe in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is quite peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt. Read more about is it safe to travel to Egypt.
Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt. Put on sun block during your time in Egypt in the summer to protect yourself from the sun.
The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.
There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas and new years eve. Read more about festivals & publich holidays in Egypt.
Egypt is considered to be one of the most liberal Islamic countries but it has become a little bit conservative in the last couple of decades so it is advised to avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees.
Arabic is the official language and Most Egyptians, who live in the cities, speak or understand English or at least some English words or phrases. Fewer Egyptians can speak French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients.
The fastest way is a car, of course, a taxi. If you are in Cairo ride a white taxi to move faster or you could board the fastest way of transportation in Egypt metro if the roads are in rush hour.
The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night and winter is cool and mild. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and the average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
It is the home of everything a traveler might be looking for from amazing historical sites dating to more than 4000 years to enchanting city resorts & beaches. You will live the vacation you deserve as Egypt has everything you could possibly imagine.
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