Pyramid of Zawyet el-Meytin
Zawyet el-Maiyitin Pyramid · Zawiyet el-Meitin Step Pyramid
Late 3rd Dynasty·Ancient Egyptian·🇪🇬 Minya Governorate, Middle Egypt, Egypt
About
About Pyramid of Zawyet el-Meytin
Southernmost minor step pyramid of Huni/Sneferu: 3-step limestone pyramid 22.4 m base, only ~5 m high, on east-bank ridge opposite Hermopolis near Zawyet el-Meytin village. Excavated 1911 by Raymond Weill; single offering niche without chamber, confirming non-funerary marker function and southern extent of early Old Kingdom control.
Why it mattersSouthern frontier of minor pyramid network; proves Old Kingdom interest in Middle Egyptian limestone quarries.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why east-bank location unique among minor pyramids
Theories
- 01Marker opposite Hare Nome center to claim desert limestone resources
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. 2630–2613 BCE
- Period
- Late 3rd Dynasty
- Culture
- Ancient Egyptian
- Purpose
- Provincial cenotaph / royal domain marker
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 2630–2613 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1451 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
27.9328° N · 30.8572° E · 55 m · 2 mapped features
Stepped core
pyramid3-step core remnant
27.9328° N · 30.8572° EEastern niche
chapelShallow offering chapel
27.9327° N · 30.8574° E
Gallery