Satellite (Cult) Pyramid of Merenre
Old Kingdom, 6th Dynasty, Merenre I, c.2287–2278 BCE·Ancient Egyptian·🇪🇬 South Saqqara, Memphis Necropolis, Egypt
About
About Satellite (Cult) Pyramid of Merenre
Cult pyramid SE of Merenre Nemtyemsaf I pyramid (c.2283 BCE, 6th Dynasty) at South Saqqara. 15.7 m base, limestone, SE corner of enclosure, matching Pepi I pattern. Excavated by Firth/Gunn and later Leclant mission; unpublished causeway fragment links to Merenre causeway.
Why it mattersCompletes 6th Dynasty cult sequence Pepi I–Merenre–Pepi II; proves short-reign continuity.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Precise alignment vs. main pyramid causeway
- 02Uncleared mortuary deposits
Theories
- 01Ka statue repository; symbolic south tomb
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.2287–2278 BCE
- Period
- Old Kingdom, 6th Dynasty, Merenre I, c.2287–2278 BCE
- Culture
- Ancient Egyptian
- Builders
- Ancient Egyptian (Merenre I)
- Purpose
- Ka / cult pyramid — southern ritual companion to royal pyramid
- Excavation
- Excavated
c.2287–2278 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c.1200 BCE
Major refurbishment / enlargement phase
c.220 CE
Abandonment or conversion
1890–1930
Modern rediscovery and first scientific survey
On the ground
Structures & features
29.8510° N · 31.2145° E · 54 m · 2 mapped features
Substructure — descending corridor
chamberEast-facing descending corridor to plain chamber
29.8511° N · 31.2144° EEnclosure SE corner foundation
enclosureMudbrick enclosure wall corner that framed cult pyramid
29.8510° N · 31.2146° E