Mysteria

Pyramid of Queen Nedjeftet

Old Kingdom, 6th Dynasty, c.2325 BCE·Ancient Egyptian·🇪🇬 South Saqqara, Memphis Necropolis, Egypt

About

About Pyramid of Queen Nedjeftet

Small queens pyramid recorded by Leclant mission south of Pepi I field for Nedjeftet (variant Wadjebten-related name, wife of Pepi I). 20 m base, unpublished Lauer sketches. Like Behenu neighborhood, retains courtyard pavement and limestone model offering vessels deposit.

Why it mattersLittle-known queen completing Pepi I wives list; fills Jéquier plan gaps.

Open questions

Mysteries & theories

Mysteries

  1. 01Reading of queen's name Nedjeftet vs Wadjebten variant

Theories

  1. 01Lower-ranking harem queen with smaller monument

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.2325 BCE
Period
Old Kingdom, 6th Dynasty, c.2325 BCE
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Builders
Ancient Egyptian (Pepi I)
Purpose
Queens satellite burial; possibly mother of Queen Behenu
Excavation
Partially excavated
  1. c.2325 BCE

    Initial construction / foundation

  2. c.1200 BCE

    Major refurbishment / enlargement phase

  3. c.220 CE

    Abandonment or conversion

  4. 1890–1930

    Modern rediscovery and first scientific survey

On the ground

Structures & features

29.8532° N · 31.2198° E · 55 m · 2 mapped features

  • Courtyard pavement and model vessels

    courtyard

    Courtyard north of pyramid with deposit of limestone model offering vessels

    29.8533° N · 31.2197° E
  • Antechamber — Text fragment

    chamber

    Antechamber with fragmentary Pyramid Text inscription (PT 606)

    29.8532° N · 31.2199° E

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