Shahr-e Sukhteh Burnt City Pyramid Structure 10
Shahr-e Sukhteh Burnt City Pyramid Structure 10 North Annex · Shahr-e Site
Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent·Old Kingdom·🇮🇷 Sistan, Shahr-e Sukhteh, Iran
About
About Shahr-e Sukhteh Burnt City Pyramid Structure 10
Shahr-e Sukhteh Burnt City Pyramid Structure 10 in Sistan, Shahr-e Sukhteh, Iran is a Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent pyramid attributed to Old Kingdom. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal base 95 × 95 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 30.5900N 61.3290E controls access to Sistan resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey pyramid for Sistan, Shahr-e Sukhteh, illustrating Old Kingdom construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Construction logistics and labour organisation
- 02Astronomical orientation method
Theories
- 01Royal tomb with cult temple axis
- 02Experimental step before true pyramid
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. 2600–2500 BCE
- Period
- Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent
- Culture
- Old Kingdom
- Purpose
- Royal tomb and ceremonial platform embodying cosmology
- Rediscovered
- 1992 survey
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 2600–2500 BCE
Initial construction of Shahr-e Sukhteh Burnt City Pyramid Structure 10 main structure
c. 1932
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1992–2007
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Shahr-e Sukhteh Burnt City Pyramid Structure 10) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
30.5900° N · 61.3290° E · 304 m · 4 mapped features
Shahr-e Sukhteh Burnt City Pyramid Structure 10 — Main Structure
structurePrincipal pyramid — Base 95 × 95 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
30.5908° N · 61.3299° EShahr-e Sukhteh Burnt City Pyramid Structure 10 — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
30.5890° N · 61.3283° EShahr-e Sukhteh Burnt City Pyramid Structure 10 — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
30.5915° N · 61.3302° EShahr-e Sukhteh Burnt City Pyramid Structure 10 — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
30.5884° N · 61.3279° E