Dahshur, Ancient necropolis in Giza Governorate, Egypt
Dahshur is an ancient burial site south of Cairo with several pyramids from the pharaonic era. The most notable structures are the Red Pyramid with its smooth walls and the Bent Pyramid, which displays an unusual angle change partway up its surface.
These structures were built around 2613 to 2589 BC, when Egyptian architects moved from step pyramids to smooth-sided buildings. This period marks a turning point in how the Egyptians designed and constructed their monumental tombs.
The tombs here show how royal families buried their dead and what precious objects they placed in the graves for the afterlife. Visitors can see remnants of jewelry and personal items that reveal details about daily life in ancient Egypt.
This site remains less crowded than other Egyptian pyramid locations because it was restricted for military use for many decades before opening to visitors. Bring sun protection, water, and comfortable walking shoes, as exploring the structures requires time on foot across the desert ground.
The Bent Pyramid displays a noticeable angle shift halfway up its face, revealing that builders made changes to their original design while constructing it. This adjustment likely helped prevent structural issues that arose during the building process.
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