Pyramid of Unas

The Pyramid of Unas is a royal burial structure in Saqqara built from limestone blocks, standing roughly 43 meters tall. It has smooth sides and contains underground chambers decorated with ancient text carved into the walls.

This burial site was built around 2360 BC for Pharaoh Unas, the last ruler of Egypt's Fifth Dynasty. It marked a turning point in Egyptian architecture and showed new directions in how royal tombs were constructed.

The burial chamber walls feature the earliest known Pyramid Texts, a collection of spells meant to guide souls through the afterlife. These carved inscriptions show how ancient Egyptians imagined the journey after death.

Visitors enter through the north side and follow a narrow passage down to the underground chambers below. It helps to wear comfortable shoes and move slowly to examine the carved inscriptions in these tight spaces.

The connected causeway stretches roughly 750 meters and features reliefs showing scenes from everyday ancient Egyptian life. These painted carvings offer rare glimpses into the ordinary tasks and trades of that distant era.

Location: Giza Governorate

Inception: 2360 BCE

Elevation above the sea: 58 m

Height: 43 m

Width: 57.7 m

Made from material: limestone

Part of: Memphite necropolis

GPS coordinates: 29.86833,31.21472

Latest update: December 17, 2025 10:27