Meidum Pyramid

This pyramid is about 65 meters (213 feet) high and was originally designed as a seven-step pyramid. An additional step was added while construction was in an advanced stage, and the pyramid evolved into the first true pyramid with the filling in of the steps and capping with limestone.

Djoser’s complex at Saqqara was the only complete large royal pyramid when Snefru became king around 2,575 BC. Snefru completed three pyramids, including this one. The pyramid was partially destroyed by human reuse of its materials. By the 15th century, only five steps remained, and by the time of Napoleon’s survey of Egypt, only three steps remained. It is possible that the pyramid began to crumble during Snefru’s time, and this may have contributed to him altering the angle of the pyramid at Dahshur in mid construction.

The burial chamber was the first to be cut into the core of a pyramid. No sarcophagus was found inside the chamber, and there is no evidence that Snefru was buried in this pyramid. The mortuary temple was the first example to be built on the east side rather than the north. The whole complex is surrounded by an enclosure wall, traces of which remain. A causeway was cut into the bedrock and paved with limestone. The pyramid is surrounded by a number of mastabas in which the sons of Snefru were buried.