Layer Pyramid of Zawiyet el-Aryan
Zawiyet el-Aryan Pyramid · Pyramid of Khaba · Layer Pyramid
Late 3rd Dynasty·Ancient Egyptian·🇪🇬 Giza Governorate, Zawiyet el-Aryan, Egypt
About
About Layer Pyramid of Zawiyet el-Aryan
Unfinished late-3rd Dynasty layer pyramid (Z1) of King Khaba, 84 m square base with 14 inclined limestone layers forming steep stepped core, intended 42–45 m high but left as stump 20 m high with oval shaft pit 20 m deep. Unique T-shaped descending trench and 32 side chambers demonstrate aborted early experiment linking Djoser's step to true pyramids.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why abandoned at ~20 m
- 02Khaba identification via alabaster vessels
Theories
- 01Death of Khaba or structural issues; transition design that was superseded by Sneferu's true pyramids
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 2635 BCE (Khaba)
- Period
- Late 3rd Dynasty
- Culture
- Ancient Egyptian
- Purpose
- Royal tomb of Khaba (abandoned mid-construction)
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 2635 BCE (Khaba)
Initial construction
c. 1430 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
29.9328° N · 31.1611° E · 75 m · 3 mapped features
Inclined layers core
core14 inclined sandstone layers
29.9328° N · 31.1611° EDescending trench T-shape
entrance20 m deep trench with stair
29.9329° N · 31.1613° ESide storage chambers (32)
chamber32 side magazines off trench
29.9327° N · 31.1610° E
Gallery