Zawiyet el-Aryan (Giza) – Unfinished Pyramid Field
Zawiyet el-Aryan · Zawiet el-Arian · Righa
Old Kingdom (3rd–4th Dynasty c. 2700–2560 BCE)·Old Kingdom Egyptian·🇪🇬 Giza Governorate, desert edge 8 km south of Giza, between Giza and Abusir, Egypt
About
About Zawiyet el-Aryan (Giza) – Unfinished Pyramid Field
Desert pyramid field with two enigmatic pyramids: Layer Pyramid (maybe Khaba) in stepped layers, and Huge unfinished Northern Pyramid with 21 m deep T-shaft (largest known) attributed to Baka (son of Djedefre). Military zone limited access.
Why it mattersKey Old Kingdom (3rd–4th Dynasty c. 2700–2560 BCE) site illustrating Old Kingdom Egyptian urbanism and royal pyramid field and desert necropolis between giza and abusir.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Owners — Khaba vs Huni, Baka vs Nebka?
Theories
- 01Abandoned due to succession crisis (Baka short reign)
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Layer Pyramid of Khaba (?) c. 2650 BCE; Unfinished Northern Pyramid of Baka (?) c. 2560 BCE
- Period
- Old Kingdom (3rd–4th Dynasty c. 2700–2560 BCE)
- Culture
- Old Kingdom Egyptian
- Purpose
- Royal pyramid field and desert necropolis between Giza and Abusir
- Excavation
- Excavated
Layer Pyramid of Khaba (?) c. 2650 BCE; Unfinished Northern Pyramid of Baka (?) c. 2560 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
20th century
Modern archaeological survey and excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
29.9330° N · 31.1440° E · 55 m · 3 mapped features
Zawiyet el-Aryan (Giza) — Pyramid Mass
pyramidPyramid mass at Zawiyet el-Aryan (Giza) – Unfinished Pyramid Field
29.9330° N · 31.1440° EZawiyet el-Aryan (Giza) — Causeway
causewayCauseway at Zawiyet el-Aryan (Giza) – Unfinished Pyramid Field
29.9334° N · 31.1444° EZawiyet el-Aryan (Giza) — Valley Temple
templeValley temple at Zawiyet el-Aryan (Giza) – Unfinished Pyramid Field
29.9326° N · 31.1436° E