Meidum Pyramid, Step pyramid in Meidum, Beni Suef, Egypt.
The Meidum Pyramid is a step pyramid built from limestone blocks that stands in the desert near the Nile River, rising approximately 65 meters with three distinct tiers visible from a distance. The structure was constructed in phases and today displays a tower-like form due to the loss of its outer layers over time.
Construction of the monument began under Pharaoh Huni in the early 26th century BCE and continued under his successor Sneferu, who modified the design significantly. This period marks a pivotal moment when builders were experimenting with different pyramid shapes and construction techniques.
The complex contains burial chambers and a temple that reveal how ancient people honored their rulers and prepared them for the afterlife. Walking through the structure, you can observe how carefully each space was designed to serve sacred purposes.
The site is located roughly 100 kilometers south of Cairo and attracts far fewer visitors than the Giza pyramids. This allows you to explore the monument at your own pace and examine the architectural details without crowding.
The loss of the outer stone casing exposed the internal layers and reveals how ancient builders stacked massive blocks to create the monument. This accidental damage provides a rare view into the construction methods that builders kept hidden in other pyramids.
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