Explore the Meidum Pyramid, a pivotal structure in ancient Egypt marking the transition from step to straight-sided pyramids. Discover its unique architecture, historical significance, and reasons behind its collapse.
| Overview | |
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| Location | 72 km South of Cairo |
| Builders | Pharaohs Huni and Sneferu |
| Era | Around 2600 BC |
| Height | 93 Meters |
| Base Width | 114 Meters |
| Design | Step to Straight-sided |
The Meidum Pyramid is one of the earliest attempts in the history of ancient Egypt to create the first straight-sided pyramid. The article's main goal is to offer every traveler the chance to learn about the marvelous Medium pyramid. This article was written by a very professional and skilled team of tour operators, historians, tour guides, and travel consultants who know all the facts about the Medium Pyramid. There are countless pyramids in Egypt, but the Meidum pyramid is, without a doubt, the most unusual-looking pyramid.
It is located on the west bank of the Nile, 80 km south of Memphis and 65 km south of Cairo. It is one of the oldest pyramids in ancient Egyptian history and is most significant as it marks the transition from the early dynastic period to the old kingdom of ancient Egypt. The Meidum pyramid is assumed to have been built for King Huni, the last pharaoh of the 3rd dynasty, and was later continued by Pharaoh Sneferu in his 15th. The name of King Huni was not found anywhere on the Meidum pyramid, and the pyramid was later named Snofru Endures' and the fact that several of Snofru's sons were buried there confirms it was King Snorfu had constructed it, then he moved 40 km to the north to Dashur where he constructed the Red pyramid and the bent pyramid.
The medium pyramid, which is found 72 kilometers (45 mi) south of modern Cairo, is the first straight-sided pyramid ever made in the history of Egypt. In order to reach the pyramid, it is advised to book with a travel agency that will provide a private vehicle and a seasoned tour guide who will shed light on the history and architectural innovation of the ancient Egyptians.
The Meidum pyramid was designed in the image of the step pyramid as the main architect was a successor to the well-known Imhotep. The Meidum pyramid, unfortunately, collapsed as many modifications were made to Imhotep's pyramid design to transform it into a true pyramid; it looks like a huge tower surrounded by a massive pile of rubble. The pyramid is about 93 m high and was once built with a square base with sides measuring about 114m long. The internal design of the Meidum pyramid is fairly simple but was considered to be a true innovation that became the standard for many generations to come.
Solved, how the Pyramids were built, explore the top information about this question, read more about the workforce, architecture, and more..
Read MoreThe entrance of the Meidum pyramid is located north above the ground level with a descending passage down the ground level to a horizontal passage leading to two small chambers, and at the end of the passage is a burial chamber, which is 5.9 by 2.7 m and has no sarcophagus. The ancient builders used the corbelling method to deal with the pressure of the pyramid. Outside the pyramid is a chapel and traces of an enclosure wall surrounding the complex; there is also a satellite pyramid, an eastern chapel, and a causeway that heralds the tradition of the old kingdom.
The interior of the medium pyramid is filled with magnificent archaeological and historical findings. The entrance of the pyramid is found in the north face, which is above the ground level, leading to a descending passage that continues downwards, then turns horizontal, with two small niches on either side. The burial chamber can be entered through a 10-foot (3.0 meters) high vertical shaft that leads up to the main burial chamber, which is found at the end of the horizontal passage.
The burial chamber remains unfinished, retaining wooden supports and raw walls typical during construction. It is recorded as being the first pyramid in history to have a burial chamber within its core, which stands as a very important architectural development. Two relieving chambers filled with debris were discovered on top of the burial chamber in order to distribute the weight of the pyramid and prevent any kind of pressure on the main chamber. The burial chamber is known to possess fragments of a number of painted reliefs and intricate decorations.
The medium pyramid collapsed for a number of reasons, as researched by a skilled team of historians and archaeologists over the ages. Many believe that forms of structural instabilities lead to the collapse of the pyramid, such as design flaws that started by transforming the step pyramid into a true pyramid by adding an outer casing of heavy limestone that overburdened the foundation and internal structure leading to its collapse also the uneven base created stress points because of its weight distribution.
Saqqara Step Pyramid, the oldest known pyramid in Egypt was built around 2630 B.C. pharaoh Djoser from the Third Dynasty (c. 2670-2613 BCE).
Read MoreThe corbelling system used in creating the inner chamber might also weaken the internal structure over time. Also, Environmental factors like wind and sandstorm erosion, earthquakes, and heavy rainfall have played a role in the collapse.
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The collapse of the medium pyramid of Pharaoh Sneferu is due to structural instability as the ground base was too weak to hold the entire pyramid, and all the attempts made to transform it into a true pyramid led to a great weakness in its core structure, which also causes a collapse to its outer casing.
At the current moment, it is not allowed to enter the medium pyramid because of a number of safety concerns, as the internal structure has degraded over time, and the pyramid can only be accessible through researchers or archaeologists with special permissions.
The Meidum Pyramid was the second pyramid built after Djoser, which was created for Pharaoh Huni, who was the last pharaoh of the third dynasty and then continued by Pharaoh Sneferu.
The initial construction of the pyramid took place in the third dynasty by Huni, but most of the construction began around 2613 BC during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of Egypt and was continued by Sneferu.
The Meidum Pyramid is highly important due to its architectural evolution that represents the transition from step pyramids to the smooth-sided, true pyramids characteristic of later Egyptian pyramids. Its collapse and subsequent architectural changes also offer valuable insights into ancient Egyptian construction techniques and engineering.
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.
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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.
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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.
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