Pyramid of Meidum
Meidum Pyramid · Sneferu's Meidum Pyramid
Old Kingdom, late 3rd – early 4th Dynasty·Ancient Egyptian·🇪🇬 Beni Suef Governorate, Memphite Necropolis, Egypt
About
About Pyramid of Meidum
Collapsing transitional pyramid built by Sneferu (or Huni) at the mouth of the Fayum: first straight-sided true pyramid attempt, originally seven steps encased to form 92 m true pyramid; outer casing collapsed leaving three-step tower with debris mound. Marks shift from step to true pyramid and documents learning curve before Bent and Red pyramids.
Why it mattersKey evidence for pyramid evolution from Djoser step to Dahshur true pyramids.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Whether collapse occurred during reign or later
- 02Who actually commissioned – Huni or Sneferu
Theories
- 01Casing added to 7-step E1 core to create true pyramid; engineering failure prompted Bent Pyramid design changes
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. 2613–2589 BCE (Huni/Sneferu)
- Period
- Old Kingdom, late 3rd – early 4th Dynasty
- Culture
- Ancient Egyptian
- Purpose
- Royal tomb (cenotaph or tomb for Sneferu/Huni)
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 2613–2589 BCE (Huni/Sneferu)
Initial construction
c. 1356 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
29.3881° N · 31.1569° E · 50 m · 3 mapped features
Inner stepped core E1
coreOriginal 7-step mudbrick/limestone core
29.3881° N · 31.1570° EMortuary Temple East
templeSmall eastern temple with stela
29.3879° N · 31.1575° ECauseway
causewayCauseway descending east from pyramid
29.3875° N · 31.1585° E
Gallery