Pyramid of Zawyet el-Maiyitin, Step pyramid near Kom el-Ahmar, Egypt
The Pyramid of Zawyet el-Maiyitin rises from the eastern bank of the Nile and displays four distinct steps with original limestone casing visible in places. The base structure stands up to 5 meters high, and a Muslim cemetery adjoins the site nearby.
This step pyramid was built during the Third Dynasty of ancient Egypt and demonstrates early pyramid construction methods. It stands linked to a proto-capital and marks a key phase in the development of these monumental structures.
Rock-cut tombs from the Old Kingdom surround the site, revealing how ancient people buried their dead and the religious practices connected to death and the afterlife. Together with the pyramid, these graves show a complete picture of burial customs from that era.
The site sits about 245 kilometers south of Cairo in the Minya Governorate and is reachable by heading to the riverbank. It is best to visit in early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy better light for viewing.
This is the only pyramid built on the eastern bank of the Nile, setting it apart from all other ancient Egyptian pyramids. This unusual location choice makes it a striking example of unconventional construction planning in antiquity.
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