Pyramid of Neferirkare

The Pyramid of Neferirkare

The Pyramid of Neferirkare was built for the Fifth Dynasty pharaoh Neferirkare Kakai in the 25th century BC.

It was the tallest structure on the highest site at the necropolis of Abusir, between Giza and Saqqara. It still towers over the necropolis. The pyramid is also significant because its evacuation led to the discovery of the Abusir Papyri.^[1]

The Fifth Dynasty marked the end of the great pyramid constructions during the Old Kingdom.

Pyramids of the era were smaller and became more standardized. There was still intricate relief decoration. Neferirkare's pyramid deviated from convention as it was originally built as a step pyramid. That design that had gone out of date after the Third Dynasty (26th or 27th century BC).

The pharaoh's death left the work to be completed by his successors. The remaining works were completed in haste, using cheaper building material. Because of the haste, Neferirkare's monument lacked several basic elements of a pyramid complex: a valley temple, a causeway, and a cult pyramid.^[2]

The monuments to Neferirkare's consort, Khentkaus II; and his sons, Neferefre and Nyuserre Ini, are in the surrounds.

Pyramid Of Neferirkare Media

1907 painting of the Abusir necropolis, by A. Bollacher and E. Decker, presented as it was in the Old Kingdom
Neferirkare's pyramid with original step pyramid clearly visible underneath the rubble exterior
Three-dimensional model of Neferirkare's mortuary complex
The three stages of the pyramid's construction. Light grey: original six step core of the planned step pyramid. Dark grey: extension project with two extra steps. Beige: planned granite casing. Internally, the corridor and three layer limestone gable roof of the ante- and burial- chamber are also depicted.
Substructure of Neferirkare's pyramid with limestone beams
Mortuary temple of Neferirkare's pyramid
Layout of Neferirkare's mortuary temple. In order: (1) entry portico; (2) entry hall; (3) courtyard with (4) wooden columns; (5) transverse corridor; (6) storerooms, notable for the Abusir papyri found there; (7) inner temple; (8) columned corridor leading to (9) a passageway into the main courtyard.
A lotus shaped papyrus column similar to those found in the mortuary temple
Remains of Khentkaus II's pyramid
Pyramids of Nyuserre Ini (left) and Neferirkare (right)

References

↑ Altenmüller, Hartwig 2001. Old Kingdom: Fifth Dynasty. In Redford, Donald B. eds. The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt, Volume 2. Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 597–601. ISBN 978-0-19-510234-5
↑ Edwards, Iorwerth (1999). "Abusir". In Bard, Kathryn (ed) Encyclopedia of the archaeology of ancient Egypt. London; New York: Routledge. pp. 97–99. ISBN 978-0-203-98283-9

[1] Altenmüller, Hartwig 2001. Old Kingdom: Fifth Dynasty. In Redford, Donald B. eds. The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt, Volume 2. Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 597–601. ISBN 978-0-19-510234-5

[2] Edwards, Iorwerth (1999). "Abusir". In Bard, Kathryn (ed) Encyclopedia of the archaeology of ancient Egypt. London; New York: Routledge. pp. 97–99. ISBN 978-0-203-98283-9

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