Pyramid of Behenu — Queen of Pepi I/Pepi II
Pyramid of Queen Behenu · Behenu Pyramid
Old Kingdom, 6th Dynasty·Ancient Egyptian·🇪🇬 Memphis Necropolis, South Saqqara, Egypt
About
About Pyramid of Behenu — Queen of Pepi I/Pepi II
Queens pyramid north-east of Pepi I enclosure, attributed to Queen Behenu whose pyramid texts were discovered in 2010 re-excavation by French mission. Texts quality equals king corpus, with spells 23–32 intact. A disturbed granite sarcophagus and alabaster canopic fragments were found. Previously considered anonymous, limestone vessel inscriptions confirmed Behenu ownership, suggesting either Pepi I wife late dedication or Pepi II wife buried near Pepi I cult.
Why it mattersNewest published queen’s Texts after 2000, revising queens corpus count.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why buried near Pepi I not Pepi II group
Theories
- 01Behenu may have been re-interred or originally Pepi I queen honored by Pepi II
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. 2320–2250 BCE
- Period
- Old Kingdom, 6th Dynasty
- Culture
- Ancient Egyptian
- Purpose
- Queens pyramid for Behenu, wife of Pepi I or Pepi II (reassigned), near Pepi I NE corner
- Excavation
- Excavated
2007
Audran Labrousse re-clears pyramid
2010
Texts publication — Berger-El Naggar
On the ground
Structures & features
29.8542° N · 31.2180° E · 57 m · 2 mapped features
Texts burial apartments
chamberFull inscribed substructure with Behenu cartouche
29.8543° N · 31.2181° ESatellite and enclosure
enclosureMudbrick wall and offering courtyard
29.8542° N · 31.2179° E
Gallery