Meidum, Archaeological site in Beni Suef Governorate, Egypt.
Meidum is an Egyptian monument site in the al-Wasta region with a large pyramid structure and several mudbrick buildings scattered around it. Underground passages and corridors run beneath the ground, connected by vertical shafts that were part of the original design.
This monument started as a step pyramid similar to Pharaoh Djoser's design but was later rebuilt with a smooth outer surface under Pharaoh Sneferu. This transformation from stepped to smooth sides marked a shift in Egyptian building methods.
Local residents call the structure el-heram el-kaddaab, meaning False Pyramid in Egyptian Arabic, because of how damaged it looks today. The name shows how people in the region have understood this building over the centuries.
The best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon when it is cooler and the light is better. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as the site is open and offers little shade.
Problems occurred during the limestone casing phase that caused part of the structure to collapse in ancient times, leaving visible damage. This failure shows how ancient builders sometimes encountered obstacles they could not overcome.
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