Pyramid of Wedjebten — Queen of Pepi II
Pyramid of Queen Wedjebten · Udjebten Pyramid
Old Kingdom, 6th Dynasty·Ancient Egyptian·🇪🇬 Memphis Necropolis, South Saqqara, Egypt
About
About Pyramid of Wedjebten — Queen of Pepi II
Southernmost queens pyramid of Pepi II, belonging to Queen Wedjebten, likely mother of a late Pepi II prince. Excavated by Jéquier, the pyramid preserves a Second Style descending corridor, antechamber with Pyramid Texts citing Wedjebten by name, and limestone sarcophagus with lid displaced. The mortuary temple has been reconstructed on plan with two courtyards. Part of Pepi II causeway was diverted to serve these queens.
Why it mattersCompletes triad of Pepi II queens; Texts comparison shows evolution of spell selection for queens vs kings.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Parentage of Wedjebten unknown
Theories
- 01Southernmost position reflects status hierarchy with Neith highest
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. 2270 BCE
- Period
- Old Kingdom, 6th Dynasty
- Culture
- Ancient Egyptian
- Purpose
- Queens pyramid for Wedjebten (Udjebten), wife of Pepi II, southernmost of group
- Excavation
- Excavated
1930
Jéquier publishes Wedjebten plan
On the ground
Structures & features
29.8438° N · 31.2175° E · 55 m · 2 mapped features
Texts antechamber
chamberWest wall with PT spells for queen
29.8438° N · 31.2175° EMortuary temple plan
templeReconstructed courtyard and magazine foundations
29.8438° N · 31.2174° E
Gallery