Pyramid of Neferhetepes, Queen pyramid from Old Kingdom period in Saqqara, Egypt
The Pyramid of Neferhetepes stands roughly 100 meters south of Userkaf's pyramid and features a three-level core built from white limestone blocks. The structure displays the smooth exterior typical of royal tombs from this period.
It was built around 2490 BCE and served as the burial site of Queen Neferhetepes, wife of Pharaoh Userkaf and mother of Pharaoh Sahure. The monument dates to an era when smooth-sided pyramids had become the standard form for royal tombs in Saqqara.
The complex follows the traditional layout of royal burial sites with a temple positioned on the eastern side. This arrangement reflects how the ancient Egyptians believed the deceased required daily care and offerings.
The site is located in Saqqara, roughly 32 kilometers south of Cairo, and is best reached through guided tours. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and prepare for uneven terrain with excavation pits and sandy ground.
The identity of the queen was confirmed through an inscription found in the tomb of priest Persen, now kept at the Berlin Museum. This discovery was crucial in definitively identifying who owned and used this pyramid.
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