Pyramid of Edfu South
Edfu South Small Step Pyramid · Naga el-Ghoneima Pyramid
Old Kingdom, 3rd Dynasty·Ancient Egyptian·🇪🇬 Aswan Governorate, Edfu South, Naga el-Ghoneima, Egypt
About
About Pyramid of Edfu South
Small step pyramid 5 km south of Edfu Temple (ancient Djeba) on the west bank, Huni series c. 2630 BCE. Limestone rubble 18.3 m base, 3 steps preserved to 5.5 m (orig ~11 m). Overlooks floodplain and ancient Edfu town. Least documented of southern group, first recorded by Daressy 1900s, planned by Dreyer. Orientation near cardinal with 1.5° error. No burial.
Why it mattersCompletes Aswan-Edfu-Hierakonpolis triad showing dense Upper Egyptian coverage; Edfu temple town significance later contrasts early marker.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Whether associated with Edfu early shrine of Horus
- 02Spacing between El-Kula and Elephantine
Theories
- 01Network of 7 uniformly spaced royal markers
- 02Local adaptation to Edfu limestone outcrop
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. 2630 BCE (Huni)
- Period
- Old Kingdom, 3rd Dynasty
- Culture
- Ancient Egyptian
- Purpose
- Provincial marker at Edfu/Djeba centre
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 2630 BCE (Huni)
Initial construction
c. 1475 CE
Major expansion
On the ground
Structures & features
24.8639° N · 32.8711° E · 90 m · 3 mapped features
Edfu South core
pyramidThree limestone steps
24.8640° N · 32.8712° EWest bank terrace
terraceDesert terrace foundation
24.8637° N · 32.8710° EFloodplain view
viewOverlook to Nile and Edfu Temple north
24.8635° N · 32.8715° E