THE CRUMBLING remains of an Egyptian pyramid believed to have been built around 3,700 years ago have been uncovered by an excavation team.
Due to its sloping sides, the pyramid is believed to have been ancient Egypt’s first attempt to build a smooth-sided pyramid.
Historic discovery … archaeologists uncover what is believed to be Egyptians’ first attempt at smooth-sided pyramid
The new structure, thought to date back to the 13th Dynasty, was found near the well-known Bent Pyramid of King Snefru, the antiquities ministry announced on Monday.
It was uncovered by an Egyptian excavation team in Dahshur’s royal necropolis, 20 miles south of Cairo, it said.
The necropolis was the burial site for courtiers and high-ranking officials in ancient Egypt.
Adel Okasha, the head of Dahshur necropolis, said that the remains belong to the inner structure of the pyramid, including a corridor.
Hieroglyphics … the excavation is only in the early stages, and the size of the pyramid has not yet been established
Other finds include blocks showing the interior design of the pyramid.
“An alabaster… block engraved with 10 vertical hieroglyphic lines” was also among the discoveries, the ministry confirmed.
Excavation of the site is still in the early stages, and the size of the pyramid has not yet been established.
The new pyramid is thought to date back to the 13th Dynasty over 3,700 years ago
Speaking on the discovery, the ministry said: “All the discovered parts of the pyramid are in very good condition and further excavation is to take place to reveal more parts.”
Egypt, home of one of the world’s earliest civilisations, boasts 123 ancient pyramids, Zahi Hawas, former head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, told AFP.
They include the world-famous Pyramids of Giza, constructed around 4,500 years ago.
The Khufu pyramid is the largest of the three in Giza, standing at 146 metres, and the only surviving structure of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
