Pyramid of Senwosret II at El-Lahun
Senwosret II Pyramid · Sesostris II Pyramid · El-Lahun Pyramid · Illahun Pyramid
Middle Kingdom (12th Dynasty, Senwosret II 1897–1878 BCE)·Ancient Egyptian (12th Dynasty, Middle Kingdom)·🇪🇬 Fayum Governorate, eastern Fayum entrance at El-Lahun (Illahun) on desert spur above Fayum Basin, Egypt
About
About Pyramid of Senwosret II at El-Lahun
Mudbrick pyramid of Senwosret II (12th Dynasty c.1897–1878 BCE) at El-Lahun: 106 m base, 48.65 m high today (originally higher), with limestone casing lower and mudbrick core with rock-cut framework arms, internal limestone-lined winding corridor with vertical shaft, granite chamber, and queens' pyramids north annex (8 queens' pyramids). Associated with Kahun workers' town (Heqanakht papyri) and Lahun irrigation basin. Excavated Petrie 1888–90, Brunton. Only Middle Kingdom pyramid with intact jewellery in subsidiary tomb of Princess Sithathoriunet.
Why it mattersFirst Fayum pyramid opening 12th Dynasty Fayum development; Kahun town and papyri; Sithathoriunet jewellery hoard; Petrie type-site for Middle Kingdom pyramid construction with framework.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why Lahun vs Dahshur for Senwosret II shift to Fayum
- 02Framework arm structural function
Theories
- 01Lahun as southern sentinel for Fayum irrigation basin reclamation project
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.1880 BCE (Senwosret II, 12th Dynasty)
- Period
- Middle Kingdom (12th Dynasty, Senwosret II 1897–1878 BCE)
- Culture
- Ancient Egyptian (12th Dynasty, Middle Kingdom)
- Purpose
- Royal mudbrick pyramid for Senwosret II at Fayum entrance — first Fayum pyramid initiating 12th Dynasty Fayum project
- Excavation
- Excavated
c.1880 BCE (Senwosret II, 12th Dynasty)
Initial construction / foundation
c. 1200–600 BCE
Major use phase and refurbishment
20th century
Modern archaeological survey and excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
29.2365° N · 30.9690° E · 42 m · 3 mapped features
Senwosret II mudbrick pyramid
pyramid106 m base mudbrick with limestone casing 48 m high
29.2365° N · 30.9690° EQueens' pyramid annex
pyramidsEight 10 m queens' pyramids north of main
29.2370° N · 30.9695° EWinding corridor and chamber
corridorLimestone-lined corridor with vertical shaft to granite chamber
29.2363° N · 30.9688° E
Gallery