Have you ever wondered about all the pyramids in Egypt other than the Pyramids of Giza. The Pyramids of Giza are the three largest and best-preserved pyramids in Egypt today, but that doesn’t mean they are the only ones. Did you know that there are over 100 pyramids in Egypt today? Here are 11 pyramids you might not have heard about before, all magnificent and truly worth your visit.
The Step Pyramid
Also known as Djoser, this pyramid is 197 ft. high and was part of a large mortuary complex. The Pyramid of Djoser is the oldest intact pyramid in the world today built between 2630 and 2611 B.C. in Egypt. The pyramid was designed to be 6 layers with a flat roof, which is why it’s called the ‘Step’ Pyramid, also known in Arabic as ‘Mastaba’.
The inside of Djoser has burial chambers deep within made for the pharaoh and his 11 daughters. It’s a series of tunnels that are thought to be designed to prevent theft. Due to this, the pyramid has deteriorated and could even collapse without conversation. While visitors are not allowed to enter the pyramid, they are welcome to view and take photos of the pyramid.
The Bent Pyramid
The first of the three Dahshur Pyramids; Sneferu’s Bent Pyramid. The Dahshur Pyramids are what provided Egyptians with the learning experience of how to transition from step pyramids to smooth-sided pyramids. The Dahshur Pyramids are not far from the Giza and Saqqara Pyramids. The Bent Pyramid is the first of the smooth pyramids to be built, considered unsuccessful due to the cut of the blocks used resulting in the weight not being distributed properly causing the angle of the pyramid to be off and achieving the name “The Bent Pyramid”.
The Red Pyramid
Learning from his mistakes, Sneferu ordered the building of the second pyramid of Dahshur; the Red Pyramid, also known as the North Pyramid. The success of the free-standing pyramid rises to a height of 104 meters. The red limestone stones used to construct the Red Pyramid is the reason behind the name. The Red Pyramid is the largest of the three major pyramids at the Dahshur necropolis.
The pyramid used to be cased with white Tura limestone, but has now faded away leaving the pyramid with a rusty reddish hue. It was Sneferu’s last attempt to build a true pyramid and so, successfully it is considered the world’s first true pyramid to be built.
The Black Pyramid
The last of the Dahshur Pyramids, built under the rule of King Amenemhat II; the Black Pyramid. It is obvious that this pyramid is not well preserved as the others due to the material used to build it; mudbrick instead of traditional stone. The ruined pyramid is worth seeing because it is the most imposing monument after the two Sneferu pyramids.
The Black Pyramid got its name from the dark and decaying appearance it holds. It’s believed that the Black Pyramid was the first in Egypt intended to house the pharaoh and his queens.
Meidum Pyramid
The second oldest pyramid in Egypt, after the Pyramid of Djoser. This pyramid was Sneferu’s’ first attempt at building a ‘true pyramid’, but having failed, he kept on trying until the Red Pyramid was built. The top of the Meidum Pyramid has collapsed pre-completion. Archaeologists believed that the architect modified his design half way through which later caused the collapse of the structure.
Meidum Pyramid is now known as the ‘Collapsed Pyramid’ or “ElHaram ElKadab’ in Arabic, which means “The False Pyramid”. It no longer resembles a pyramid and only 5 steps have survived.
Fayoum Pyramids
If you’re ever in Fayoum, don’t miss a visit to the Fayoum Pyramids; Hawara and El-Lahun. Not a lot of people, including Egyptians, know that Fayoum is home to several pyramids. Although both pyramids were built by different pharaohs at different times, they were both made of the same material; mudbrick covered with limestone casing. Hawara was built 1860 AB under the rule of King Amenemhat III, while El-Lahun was built in 1897 BC under the rule of King Senusret II.
Abusir Pyramids
The Niuserre, Neferirkare Kakai, and Sahure Pyramids were built during the 5th dynasty; around 4,500 years ago. These are considered the major pyramids of Abusir, although it is home to 14 pyramids. Abusir is located south of Saqqara and is a mortuary complex dedicated to Osiris. They were designed after the Pyramids of Giza, but with low-quality limestone casting, they haven’t stood well through the years.
Neferirkare Kakai was designed to be a step pyramid, although now due to its destruction, it has fallen apart to what seems to be a flat-faced pyramid, filling the steps with brick. Sahure is a rather important site, while it might light like a rubble pile. The complex it belongs to represents the final phase of a system that would remain unchanged for more than 300 years. Niuserre completed the unfinished monuments of his father, mother, and brother before working on his pyramid complex. He chose to build the pyramid between Neferirkare and Sahure.
Pyramid of Unas
The Pyramid of Unas is the first of the pyramids containing what we refer to as “Pyramid Texts”; spells and inscriptions used to safeguard the pharaoh on his journey from between this world and the next. These inscriptions covered spells protecting the pharaoh’s body, spells calling upon the Gods for aid and more. The pyramid texts in Pyramid of Unas are the smallest of all the pharaohs. They intended for spells to guide and protect the pharaoh’s soul.
The Pyramid of Unas remains eclipsed in the shadow of the Pyramid of Djoser. Containing 128 phrases, it holds great importance due to its precious documents. These phrases are found in the walls of the underground chambers in the Pyramid of Unas.
All these pyramids alongside the Great Pyramids of Giza, and you’re yet to learn all about the pyramids that reside in Egypt. Make sure to visit these pyramids if you get the chance to learn more about the history of Ancient Egypt.
Sherif Khalil is Owner of Dunes & Beyond. Dunes & Beyond offers luxury tours, Nile cruises and desert safaris in Egypt.If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Sherif Khalil is the Chairman and Founder of Dunes & Beyond, a company he established after spending 11 years in the field of luxury tourism. Dunes & Beyond is a travel company that provides luxury tours, where tourists are sure to experience excitement and thrills, but with a 'five star' attitude. Egypt is one of the main destinations alongside Jordan, Sudan and Morocco. When tourists book with Dunes & Beyond, they gain access to private guided tours, the best Egyptologists, luxury accomodations and more. Dunes & Beyond is the first travel company in Egypt to offer glamping; having the fun of camping in the deserts, but in a more luxurious form. Having spent a lot of time with international VIPs, organizing and arranging high-end journeys, Sherif Khalil is set on a vision to fill the gaps left by other travel companies and is determined to provide the highest quality services to all travelers and tourists.
Did you enjoy this article?
Receive similar content direct to your inbox.
19 Comments
All of these pyramids are a reminder of what an advanced society and civilisation Ancient Egypt produced. The architects and builders needed an impressive range of engineering and mathematical skills to turn their ambitious into a practical really. That these pyramids are still standing hundreds of years later and that so many of us want to travel to admire them is a real testament to their precise design skills.
Egypt welcomes you anytime to enjoy the magnificent sites.
Best,
Sherif
Wow, that was really well-said. It’s true and important to think about. I have a similar feeling when I consider the aqueducts of ancient Rome. Some are still in use today after two thousand years which is pretty unbelieveable when you think about it. Magnificent to see these structures still standing today.
But don’t forget the pyramids at Giza. That could be the place to start your great tour of Egypt’s pyramids. I remember reading that there were plans for a magnificent museum to be opening close to the Giza pyramids at the end of this year. I think looking through that museum would probably give you the background and context to really enjoy and understand the other pyramids.
Does anyone know if that museum is still on schedule, after all the interruptions of Covid – 19 for completion in 2020? Any ideas of an estimated opening time?
Pyramids of Giza are the most famous and the most perfect pyramids but not the oldest.
But of course, they are the highlights. The new museum was supposed to open October 2020 and now postponed to next year,
There should be a big celebration upon opening.
looking forward to welcoming you in Egypt soon.
Best,
Sherif
That’s some really great information, I wonder if they will do something like e-tours for that… It would be really great to visit a website and check that out without even leaving home. I love that kinda stuff.
Hi Frank,
Many thanks for your comment.
We have already some virtual tours on our facebook page and planning to have more soon,
Please check our facebook page, you can accecc it from the link in our website.
I’ll be heading to Egypt next year but I was hoping to take in a lot more than just pyramids. I agree that it would be good to take in some pyramids other than those in Cairo, just to give a bit of a sense of perspective, but if you are travelling to Egypt don’t forget that there’s the beauty of the Nile, the Red Sea and the Valley of the Kings. Remember that Egypt isn’t just pyramids!
Totally agree with you that Egypt is not just the Pyramids, we have more museums opening in Egypt now and more sites opening, we have now a very nice Museum in Hurghada. Baron Emban Palace has just opened. In addition to many other sites and cities.
We would recommend you to visit the New Egyptian Museum opening next year which is very close to Giza Pyramids.
We recommend you also to have a visit to Saqqara & Dahshur Pyramids.
You can contact us if you need any assistance to arrange your trip to Egypt.
Best,
Sherif
Wow this is really incredible! Such great history included as well, I had no idea some of these existed. After reading about the Bent Pyramid, I kept thinking, wow can you imagine building that up just for it to be crooked when you finish? But still, it’s cool to see where they had to come from in order to get it perfect.
I also thought the information you provided about the Black Pyramid too is especially interesting. I would be curious as to what it used to look like or is supposed to look like since it has not preserved well throughout the centuries.
We will be more than happy to accommodate you in Egypt soon to see all the site on real
Best,
Sherif
But don’t forget the pyramids at Giza. That could be the place to start your great tour of Egypt’s pyramids. I remember reading that there were plans for a magnificent museum to be opening close to the Giza pyramids at the end of this year. I think looking through that museum would probably give you the background and context to really enjoy and understand the other pyramids.
Does anyone know if that museum is still on schedule, after all the interruptions of Covid – 19 for completion in 2020? Any ideas of an estimated opening time?
Okay, I never realised there were over 100 pyramids, that’s a lot. I knew of the main ones of course and that there are more than just those, but I didn’t realise quite how many and my knowledge of those other than the popular picks is very limited. I had heard of the Step Pyramid though, but that’s the only one here I’d come across. There are some fascinating structures and history to them. The Meidum Pyramid is a bit sad. It must have been soul destroying to get half way, change the design and find the whole thing starts collapsing in on itself.
Some of these pictures actually reminded me of the pyramids I’ve seen in Mexico and Peru. It’s truly remarkable that these structures were built so similarly by cultures that had no way of visiting each other that long ago. Very strange!
So interesting reading about some of the other pyramids. I’ve only gone to the ones in Giza – something I’ll never forget (nor the manic traffic in Cairo). I was fortunate to be taken there by an Egyptian biz colleague who lived in Cairo, and also to wake up in my hotel room with a view of the pyramids. Must return some time soon.
The Bent Pyramid
The first of the three Dahshur Pyramids; Sneferu’s Bent Pyramid. The Dahshur Pyramids are what provided Egyptians with the learning experience of how to transition from step pyramids to smooth-sided pyramids. The Dahshur Pyramids are not far from the Giza and Saqqara Pyramids. The Bent Pyramid is the first of the smooth pyramids to be built, considered unsuccessful due to the cut of the blocks used resulting in the weight not being distributed properly causing the angle of the pyramid to be off and achieving the name “The Bent Pyramid”.
The Bent Pyramid
The first of the three Dahshur Pyramids; Sneferu’s Bent Pyramid. The Dahshur Pyramids are what provided Egyptians with the learning experience of how to transition from step pyramids to smooth-sided pyramids. The Dahshur Pyramids are not far from the Giza and Saqqara Pyramids. The Bent Pyramid is the first of the smooth pyramids to be built, considered unsuccessful due to the cut of the blocks used resulting in the weight not being distributed properly causing the angle of the pyramid to be off and achieving the name “The Bent Pyramid”.
The Red Pyramid
Learning from his mistakes, Sneferu ordered the building of the second pyramid of Dahshur; the Red Pyramid, also known as the North Pyramid. The success of the free-standing pyramid rises to a height of 104 meters. The red limestone stones used to construct the Red Pyramid is the reason behind the name. The Red Pyramid is the largest of the three major pyramids at the Dahshur necropolis.
The pyramid used to be cased with white Tura limestone, but has now faded away leaving the pyramid with a rusty reddish hue. It was Sneferu’s last attempt to build a true pyramid and so, successfully it is considered the world’s first true pyramid to be built.
The Black Pyramid
The last of the Dahshur Pyramids, built under the rule of King Amenemhat II; the Black Pyramid. It is obvious that this pyramid is not well preserved as the others due to the material used to build it; mudbrick instead of traditional stone. The ruined pyramid is worth seeing because it is the most imposing monument after the two Sneferu pyramids.
The Black Pyramid got its name from the dark and decaying appearance it holds. It’s believed that the Black Pyramid was the first in Egypt intended to house the pharaoh and his queens.
Meidum Pyramid
The second oldest pyramid in Egypt, after the Pyramid of Djoser. This pyramid was Sneferu’s’ first attempt at building a ‘true pyramid’, but having failed, he kept on trying until the Red Pyramid was built. The top of the Meidum Pyramid has collapsed pre-completion. Archaeologists believed that the architect modified his design half way through which later caused the collapse of the structure.
Meidum Pyramid is now known as the ‘Collapsed Pyramid’ or “ElHaram ElKadab’ in Arabic, which means “The False Pyramid”. It no longer resembles a pyramid and only 5 steps have survived.
Fayoum Pyramids
If you’re ever in Fayoum, don’t miss a visit to the Fayoum Pyramids; Hawara and El-Lahun. Not a lot of people, including Egyptians, know that Fayoum is home to several pyramids. Although both pyramids were built by different pharaohs at different times, they were both made of the same material; mudbrick covered with limestone casing. Hawara was built 1860 AB under the rule of King Amenemhat III, while El-Lahun was built in 1897 BC under the rule of King Senusret II.
Abusir Pyramids
The Niuserre, Neferirkare Kakai, and Sahure Pyramids were built during the 5th dynasty; around 4,500 years ago. These are considered the major pyramids of Abusir, although it is home to 14 pyramids. Abusir is located south of Saqqara and is a mortuary complex dedicated to Osiris. They were designed after the Pyramids of Giza, but with low-quality limestone casting, they haven’t stood well through the years.
Neferirkare Kakai was designed to be a step pyramid, although now due to its destruction, it has fallen apart to what seems to be a flat-faced pyramid, filling the steps with brick. Sahure is a rather important site, while it might light like a rubble pile. The complex it belongs to represents the final phase of a system that would remain unchanged for more than 300 years. Niuserre completed the unfinished monuments of his father, mother, and brother before working on his pyramid complex. He chose to build the pyramid between Neferirkare and Sahure.
Pyramid of Unas
The Pyramid of Unas is the first of the pyramids containing what we refer to as “Pyramid Texts”; spells and inscriptions used to safeguard the pharaoh on his journey from between this world and the next. These inscriptions covered spells protecting the pharaoh’s body, spells calling upon the Gods for aid and more. The pyramid texts in Pyramid of Unas are the smallest of all the pharaohs. They intended for spells to guide and protect the pharaoh’s soul.
The Pyramid of Unas remains eclipsed in the shadow of the Pyramid of Djoser. Containing 128 phrases, it holds great importance due to its precious documents. These phrases are found in the walls of the underground chambers in the Pyramid of Unas.
All these pyramids alongside the Great Pyramids of Giza, and you’re yet to learn all about the pyramids that reside in Egypt. Make sure to visit these pyramids if you get the chance to learn more about the history of Ancient Egypt.
Sherif Khalil is Owner of Dunes & Beyond. Dunes & Beyond offers luxury tours, Nile cruises and desert safaris in Egypt.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
All of these pyramids are a reminder of what an advanced society and civilisation Ancient Egypt produced. The architects and builders needed an impressive range of engineering and mathematical skills to turn their ambitious into a practical really. That these pyramids are still standing hundreds of years later and that so many of us want to travel to admire them is a real testament to their precise design skills.
Egypt welcomes you anytime to enjoy the magnificent sites.
Best,
Sherif
Wow, that was really well-said. It’s true and important to think about. I have a similar feeling when I consider the aqueducts of ancient Rome. Some are still in use today after two thousand years which is pretty unbelieveable when you think about it. Magnificent to see these structures still standing today.
But don’t forget the pyramids at Giza. That could be the place to start your great tour of Egypt’s pyramids. I remember reading that there were plans for a magnificent museum to be opening close to the Giza pyramids at the end of this year. I think looking through that museum would probably give you the background and context to really enjoy and understand the other pyramids.
Does anyone know if that museum is still on schedule, after all the interruptions of Covid – 19 for completion in 2020? Any ideas of an estimated opening time?
Hi Darius,
Many thanks for your comment.
Pyramids of Giza are the most famous and the most perfect pyramids but not the oldest.
But of course, they are the highlights. The new museum was supposed to open October 2020 and now postponed to next year,
There should be a big celebration upon opening.
looking forward to welcoming you in Egypt soon.
Best,
Sherif
That’s some really great information, I wonder if they will do something like e-tours for that… It would be really great to visit a website and check that out without even leaving home. I love that kinda stuff.
Hi Frank,
Many thanks for your comment.
We have already some virtual tours on our facebook page and planning to have more soon,
Please check our facebook page, you can accecc it from the link in our website.
Best,
Sherif
Managing Partner
Dunes & Beyond Travel
I’ll be heading to Egypt next year but I was hoping to take in a lot more than just pyramids. I agree that it would be good to take in some pyramids other than those in Cairo, just to give a bit of a sense of perspective, but if you are travelling to Egypt don’t forget that there’s the beauty of the Nile, the Red Sea and the Valley of the Kings. Remember that Egypt isn’t just pyramids!
Hi Margaret,
Many thanks for your comment.
Totally agree with you that Egypt is not just the Pyramids, we have more museums opening in Egypt now and more sites opening, we have now a very nice Museum in Hurghada. Baron Emban Palace has just opened. In addition to many other sites and cities.
We would recommend you to visit the New Egyptian Museum opening next year which is very close to Giza Pyramids.
We recommend you also to have a visit to Saqqara & Dahshur Pyramids.
You can contact us if you need any assistance to arrange your trip to Egypt.
Best,
Sherif
Wow this is really incredible! Such great history included as well, I had no idea some of these existed. After reading about the Bent Pyramid, I kept thinking, wow can you imagine building that up just for it to be crooked when you finish? But still, it’s cool to see where they had to come from in order to get it perfect.
I also thought the information you provided about the Black Pyramid too is especially interesting. I would be curious as to what it used to look like or is supposed to look like since it has not preserved well throughout the centuries.
Thanks for the great information! ?
Hi Jenna,
Many thanks for your comment.
We will be more than happy to accommodate you in Egypt soon to see all the site on real
Best,
Sherif
But don’t forget the pyramids at Giza. That could be the place to start your great tour of Egypt’s pyramids. I remember reading that there were plans for a magnificent museum to be opening close to the Giza pyramids at the end of this year. I think looking through that museum would probably give you the background and context to really enjoy and understand the other pyramids.
Does anyone know if that museum is still on schedule, after all the interruptions of Covid – 19 for completion in 2020? Any ideas of an estimated opening time?
Hi Rajashekhar,
Many thanks for your comment.
You are totally right, the museum was supposed to open October this year, but due to the current situation postponed to open the next year.
Very much looking forward to accommodation you in Egypt soon.
Best,
Sherif Khalil
Managing Partner
Dunes & Beyond Travel
Okay, I never realised there were over 100 pyramids, that’s a lot. I knew of the main ones of course and that there are more than just those, but I didn’t realise quite how many and my knowledge of those other than the popular picks is very limited. I had heard of the Step Pyramid though, but that’s the only one here I’d come across. There are some fascinating structures and history to them. The Meidum Pyramid is a bit sad. It must have been soul destroying to get half way, change the design and find the whole thing starts collapsing in on itself.
Hi Marissa,
Many thanks for your comment.
We are looking forward to accommodating you in Egypt soon so that you can see all these sites.
Best,
Sherif Khalil
Managing Partner
Dunes & Beyond Travel
Some of these pictures actually reminded me of the pyramids I’ve seen in Mexico and Peru. It’s truly remarkable that these structures were built so similarly by cultures that had no way of visiting each other that long ago. Very strange!
Hi Devin,
Many thanks for your comment.
Looking forward to accommodating you in the land of Pharaohs.
Best,
Sherif
Managing Partner
Dunes & Beyond Travel
So interesting reading about some of the other pyramids. I’ve only gone to the ones in Giza – something I’ll never forget (nor the manic traffic in Cairo). I was fortunate to be taken there by an Egyptian biz colleague who lived in Cairo, and also to wake up in my hotel room with a view of the pyramids. Must return some time soon.
Some of these pictures actually reminded me of the pyramids I’ve seen in Mexico and Peru.