Pyramid of Ankhenespepi III — Queen of Merenre/Pepi II
Pyramid of Ankhesenpepi III · Ankhenespepi III Pyramid
Old Kingdom, 6th Dynasty·Ancient Egyptian·🇪🇬 Memphis Necropolis, South Saqqara, Egypt
About
About Pyramid of Ankhenespepi III — Queen of Merenre/Pepi II
Small queens pyramid south of Pepi I complex, built for Ankhenespepi III, daughter of Merenre Nemtyemsaf I and granddaughter of Pepi I/Ankhenespepi I, who married Pepi II. The pyramid was found by Labrousse’s team between Pepi I and Merenre causeways, its chapel yielded seal impressions of Pepi II and fragmentary wooden statuette. Burial chamber without Texts suggests hierarchical difference among Pepi I and Pepi II queens.
Why it mattersDemonstrates endogamy and dynastic continuity at very end of Old Kingdom.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why no Pyramid Texts though contemporary queens had them
Theories
- 01Smaller stature reflects short reign burial before Texts privilege extended fully
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. 2285 BCE
- Period
- Old Kingdom, 6th Dynasty
- Culture
- Ancient Egyptian
- Purpose
- Queens pyramid for Ankhenespepi III, daughter of Merenre and wife of Pepi II
- Excavation
- Excavated
1999
Labrousse identifies pyramid near Pepi I causeway
On the ground
Structures & features
29.8538° N · 31.2205° E · 57 m · 2 mapped features
Pyramid base remains
pyramidLowest limestone courses in square plan
29.8539° N · 31.2205° EChapel and seal deposit
templeChapel pavement with sealings of Pepi II
29.8538° N · 31.2204° E