Henry and I first noticed the Bent Pyramid sitting behind the Step Pyramid at Saqqara. David insisted on showing us this unusual pyramid because of its importance in the history of pyramid building. Between the Step Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid lies all the proof necessary that these amazing architectural wonders were not built by U.F.O.’s as was postulated in a popular book published in the 1970’s. Saqqara had been a turning point in royal burial, designed and engineered by Imhoptep for King Djoser of the 3rd Dynasty c. 2667-2648 BC. Next came the Bent Pyramid, built by King Sneferu in the 4th Dynasty c. 2613-2589 BC, which followed Saqqara and Meidum and preceded Giza and Abusir. The Bent Pyramid is considered to be Egypt’s first proper pyramid, so named because it was an “experiment” in this new architectural form. Intending it to be taller, the architects changed the pyramid’s shape mid-construction, to correct for its instability. Unhappy with this result, King Sneferu then built another pyramid to the north, now called the “Red Pyramid”. It is second in size only to the Great Pyramid, built by his son Khufu (Cheops) c. 2589 - 2566 BC. The Bent Pyramid is equally important for its limestone casing, still intact. It was interesting to see the manner in which the casing was integrated within the building blocks of the pyramid itself. Given this mountain of stone before us, Henry, David and I climbed to the entrance of this pyramid. The path was straight up, with a steep stairway and rickety bannister provided to help the last steep meters/feet. I admit to being slightly winded at the top, though I was first to arrive. You can’t imagine the surprise when the guard at the door to the pyramid greeted me with a smile and the words “Merry Christmas”. We were visiting during the Feast of Eid, and he evidently wanted to share his festive mood!

PHOTOS: Left Column: 1. The Bent Pyramid. 2. The trail over the desert leading to the entrance of the Bent Pyramid. 3. Approaching the Bent Pyramid, the construction and the casing of limestone exposed. 4. Henry and Jourdan with the Red Pyramid in the background, as seen from the Bent Pyramid. Center, Top: The guard at the entrance to the Bent Pyramid. Center, Bottom: The view to the bottom of the stairway with the glow of little lights. The three of us considered descending to the rooms within, but decided the empty rooms were not worth the climb back up! Right Column: 1. View of the Bent Pyramid. The bottom is clad in limestone.  2. Henry, David and Jourdan at the foot of the Bent Pyramid. 3. Stairway looking down on the outside of the pyramid.  4. View from the pyramid, with its shadow stretching toward the horizon.

JOURDAN ARPELLE-ZIEGLER                                           BACK TO MAP PAGE