Pyramid of Djedkare Isesi
Pyramid of Djedkare · Haram el-Shawaf
Old Kingdom, 5th Dynasty·Ancient Egyptian·🇪🇬 Giza Governorate, Saqqara South, Egypt
About
About Pyramid of Djedkare Isesi
Southernmost major pyramid at Saqqara: 5th Dynasty pharaoh Djedkare Isesi (c. 2414–2375 BCE). Originally 52.5 m high on 78.75 m base, six-step core cased as true pyramid, now ruined to 24 m. First pyramid with Pyramid Texts precursor? Actually Texts appear from Unas onward, but Djedkare's substructure shows early development. Built of limestone with Tura casing, elaborate mortuary temple and causeway. Excavated by Perring, Barsanti, Maragioglio, Stadelmann and Verner.
Why it mattersSouthern edge of Saqqara cluster documents 5th Dynasty shift south from Abusir; links pyramid evolution to later Unas Texts.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why Djedkare built south of Saqqara rather than Abusir
- 02Relationship to preceding Shepseskare unfinished pyramid
Theories
- 01Return to Saqqara for ideological reasons after Abusir
- 02Early experiments leading to standardized Pyramid Texts under Unas
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. 2414–2375 BCE (Djedkare Isesi)
- Period
- Old Kingdom, 5th Dynasty
- Culture
- Ancient Egyptian
- Purpose
- Royal tomb for pharaoh Djedkare Isesi
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 2414–2375 BCE (Djedkare Isesi)
Initial construction
c. 1445 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
29.8511° N · 31.2208° E · 45 m · 3 mapped features
Pyramid core
pyramidSix-step limestone core, now collapsed
29.8512° N · 31.2209° EMortuary temple east
templeEastern temple with court and magazine
29.8510° N · 31.2212° ECauseway
causewayCauseway descending to valley temple
29.8505° N · 31.2220° E
Gallery