Pyramid of Sahure

The Pyramid of Sahure is an ancient Egyptian structure in Abusir, Egypt, with smooth limestone sides rising to a tip 34 meters (112 feet) above a square base 78 meters (256 feet) wide. The outer surfaces form a 50-degree slope angle, and the interior holds chambers reached through a corridor from the northern entrance.

Construction began around 2480 BCE during the 5th Dynasty and marked the first pyramid built in the Abusir area. The complex set standards for later royal tombs by linking temples, causeways, and harbor facilities.

The name connects to Pharaoh Sahure, whose reign lasted about 13 years and opened a period of active trade. Reliefs show ships returning from expeditions and gods offering their hands to the king.

The entrance sits on the northern side at ground level and leads down a sloping passage to the burial chambers inside. The site is relatively flat and easy to explore during daylight, though sturdy shoes help on uneven ground.

The valley temple structure holds granite palm columns, regarded as the earliest known use of plant-form columns in ancient Egyptian building. These columns provided later temples with a model for organic design elements.

Location: Giza Governorate

Elevation above the sea: 34 m

Made from material: limestone

Part of: Memphite necropolis

GPS coordinates: 29.89778,31.20333

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:46