Pyramids of Sneferu, Meidum and Dahshur
Pharaoh Sneferu (2613-2589 BCE) was responsible for building three large pyramids in the Egyptian desert, although archaeologists believe he may also have been responsible for two additional smaller ones.
His three main structures were at Meidum (30km south of Cairo) and Dahshur (20km south of Cairo).
Meidum was Sneferu's first pyramid, though it is thought it was originally started by and intended for his predecessor Huni. It is thought that it was a step pyramid that was later transformed into a pyramid with flat sides. However the entire shell is gone, so its original form is difficult to ascertain. What remains is a 65 metere, steep-sided cube with two terraced steps at the top.
Sneferu's next pyramid, at Dahshur, was the 'Bent' Pyramid, whose flat sides changed angles from 55 to 43 degrees. It was built around 2596 BCE.
The Red Pyramid, Sneferu's third, is 4km north of the Bent Pyramid. It was the world's first true smooth-sided pyramid. The poorer quality of the limestone used here has given the pyramid its name and colour. The Red Pyramid is the third-largest Egyptian pyramid, with only the efforts of Sneferu's son and grandson, Cheops and Chephren, exceeding the Red Pyramid in size.
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Next major 'ancient' exhibition in London:
Journey Through the Afterlife: The Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead
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November 2010 - March 2011
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