World Tourism / The Best Pyramids in the World / The Pyramid of Meidum

No doubt that the mysteries of Egypt surround the fabulous place and the Pyramid at Meidum. Only 5 miles south of Saqqara , the tower-like pyramid of Meidum rises up, which represents a typical pyramid. The unique remains of the tower-like core appear more than a pile of sand look like. That remarkable pile is actually composed of pulverized pieces of the original structure of the pyramid. The pyramid of Meidum represents the first notable attempt for the construction of a "true" pyramid. Before the Pyramid of Meidum was founded, the only preceding pyramids were called "step" or "layer" pyramids.

This incredible pyramid probably was raised up during the reign of the 4th Dynasty King Sneferu. Many explorers believe that the pyramid may have been started by Sneferu’s predecessor, Huni. Unfortunately this pyramid is one of the forgotten treasures of Egypt. Very rare it can be founded included in the touristic itineraries, because the nowadays tourists follow a traditional and well-established itinerary, which mostly features Pyramid sites such as the Pyramids of Giza, and the Step Pyramid of Sakkara.

The Meidum Pyramid is located 65 Km to the south of Sakkara and to get to see it you have to drive along the road that takes you to Sakkara, and continues straight for an hour distance until you see the gorgeous pyramid. The last King of the 3rd Dynasty, King Huni, had constructed the Pyramid of Meidum, following the style of a Step Pyramid. This structure is initially 8 steps built on the top of one another. For a long period of time, the Egyptologists thought that this lovely Pyramid was built by King Snefru, who was also the builder of the two Pyramids in Dashur. Now it seems more like King Huni left his Pyramid uncompleted, and King Sneferu, finished the structure for himself, so the next generation thought that the pyramid belongs to Sneferu.

This Pyramid is also called the Collapsed Pyramid as it looks like a huge tower surrounded by a pile of rubble from a long distance. The Pyramid has a height of about 93 meters and it was erected with a square base with very long sides that are about 114 meters. The main entrance of the Pyramid was located almost 30m above the ground level, in the northern face. The entrance runs to a corridor that descends for 54 meters, which is unrepeatable among all the other descending corridors. At the end of the corridor is located a small chamber, roughly cut in the bedrock, exactly under the apex of the Pyramid, and at the end of this chamber, the tourists will find a wooden ladder that goes straight to the burial chamber. This chamber features a corbelled roof and its wonderful walls are lined in limestone. The construction timbers are still visible in this lovely area. The chamber is created at the same level as the pyramid's foundation. When the visitors climb up, they will surely notice some huge beams of cedar wood that are 4600 years old.

The pyramid of Meidum was built initally as a seven-stepped pyramid. Later it was enlarged to an eight-stepped pyramid. The steps were filled in and a smooth outer facing transformed it into a true pyramid, into a gorgeous structure that enchants everybody’s eyes. The Pyramid of Meidum lies on the desert's edge and it is the only structure in the vicinity. It rises up as a huge monument that is surrounded beautifully by the debris from the casing that collapsed. Near the pyramid is situated a cemetery which hosts some important and quite large mastabas. The most famous of them are definitely the twin mastabas of Neferma'at and his wife Itet and Re'hotpe with his wife Nofret. These unique statues are now housed by the Egyptian Museum. There is also a mastaba within the cemetery in which the entrance represents the main passage of the robbers. This remarkable chamber is not decorated and it is a a little bit harder to get through. Inside the huge blocks of stone that sealed the original entrance are still entirely. Somewhere in its history this veritable pyramid suffered a terrible collapse. The theories of its demise are different. Some people consider that the pyramid was never completed and collapsed during its foundation. This theory is primarily perpetuated because of unfinished stelae at the Temple near the Pyramid.

We think that you will enjoy a great experience when visiting this pyramid, which has a specific majesty. To visit such a collapsed structure is very worthwhile, it is a must see attraction. The Pyramid of Meidum is one those sites that had and still hides a lot of secrets. It is the kind of structure that truly overwhelms and surprises for its majesty and immensity. Here you will never be bored, you will get to delight your eyes with stunning chambers, full of mystery.

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