Summary

• The pyramid of Sahure revolutionized ancient Egyptian tomb architecture in Abusir with its rich decoration and innovative construction materials.
• Built around 4,500 years ago, it was the first pyramid in Abusir, showcasing advancements in construction techniques and marking a shift in pyramid design.
• Pharaoh Sahure ruled during a flourishing period, excelling in trade, maritime expeditions, and architectural innovation, setting new standards in pyramid design.
• Sahure’s pyramid featured intricate reliefs covering vast areas, innovative designs, and a complex layout setting a template for future pyramids.
• It comprised a valley temple, causeway, mortuary temple, cult pyramid, and the main pyramid, with each element reflecting advancements in construction and religious practices.
• Despite being smaller in scale than its predecessors, Sahure’s pyramid showcased elaborate relief carvings, unique chambers, and innovative construction methods.
• The pyramid complex’s detailed reliefs, storage spaces, and changes in pyramid construction methods provided a glimpse into evolving Egyptian religious rituals and daily life.

The Pyramid Of Sahure is an immortal milestone that changed the face of ancient Egyptian tomb architecture in the golden lands of Abusir. The pyramid complex of Sahure became known as “Sahure’s Soul Shines” and is renowned for being the first pyramid ever to be built in the land of Abusir. The pyramid complex was highly significant due to all the brilliant decorative reliefs and construction materials utilized to create an artistic masterpiece.

The pyramid was able to stand the test of time since the 5th dynasty (2465 – 2323 BC) to shed light on the innovation and architectural brilliance, plus explore the history behind the final days of the ancient Egypt old kingdom, which is signified by a noticeable decline in the building methods. The funerary complex was filled with many elements which, with time, became a standard in all the future projects of Egypt.

Pyramid of Sahure History

The pyramid of Sahure was constructed around 4,500 years ago and was a significant complex dedicated to the pharaoh Sahure of Ancient Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty. It was built in Abusir as the first pyramid in the area which kickstarted a phase of pyramid construction by Sahure’s successors, following the layout established by Userkaf’s earlier sun temple. The pyramid is known by the name of “Khai-ba Sahura” which is translated into “Sahure’s Soul Shines” or “The Ba of Sahure Appears” and “The Rising of the Ba Spirit of Sahure“.  It was excavated in the early 20th century which later set a blueprint for later pyramid structures of the Fifth and Sixth Dynasties. Compared to prior Fourth Dynasty pyramids, Sahure’s construction was smaller in scale, but it boasted a richer decoration scheme and expanded temple areas. His mortuary temple later became a focal point for the worship of the goddess Sekhmet, who was worshipped from the Eighteenth Dynasty through the Ptolemaic Kingdom. While neighboring monuments faced destruction in various phases, Sahure’s complex remained relatively intact, possibly due to the enduring presence of this cult.

The monuments of the pyramid complex of Sahure later resurged during different Egyptian dynasties, with reliefs from Sahure’s temple copied for use in other structures. Despite waves of destruction during the Twenty-Seventh Dynasty and later under Roman rule, Sahure’s temple escaped significant harm. It even transformed into a Coptic shrine in the early Christian era, evidenced by the discovery of pottery and graffiti dating between the 4th and 7th centuries AD. From the late 19th century till the present moment, the monuments faced periodic quarrying for their limestone.

Location of Sahure Pyramid

Sahure picked a spot near Abusir for his memorial, which became the area’s first pyramid. Userkaf was the Fifth Dynasty’s founder who selected Abusir for his sun temple, though reasons for this choice remain uncertain. It might have been linked to the nearby Ra cult or the sight of the gilded pyramidion from Heliopolis.

Who Is Sahure

Sahure was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the 5th Dynasty who ruled for about 13 years during the early 25th century BC, a period regarded as the peak of the dynasty’s political and cultural influence. His legacy encompasses remarkable achievements in trade, maritime exploits, architectural innovation, and the lasting impact of his funerary cult on Egyptian religious practices. He likely succeeded his father, Userkaf, and was followed by his son, Neferirkare Kakai. Sahure’s reign was marked by significant trade with the Levantine coast, where he led naval expeditions for cedar trees, slaves, and rare goods. He boasted an Egyptian navy and orchestrated the earliest known expedition to the land of Punt, acquiring valuable items like myrrh, malachite, and electrum. Unique reliefs from his mortuary temple depict him gardening, showcasing the success of these endeavors. He also commanded expeditions to Sinai’s turquoise and copper mines and engaged in military campaigns against Libyan leaders in the Western Desert, bringing back incredible spoils to Egypt.

Sahure departed from tradition by constructing his pyramid complex in Abusir instead of the royal necropolises of Saqqara and Giza. His pyramid, though smaller than the Fourth Dynasty’s, featured elaborate architecture and over 10,000 square meters of vibrant polychrome reliefs, setting a high artistic standard. Innovations in architecture, such as palmiform columns and the layout of his mortuary temple, became benchmarks in ancient Egyptian construction. He established a funerary cult that endured beyond his reign, sustained by agricultural estates. While his cult’s significance dwindled in the Middle Kingdom, during the New Kingdom, Sahure was associated with the goddess Sekhmet, leading to a dedicated cult that persisted for nearly 2500 years after his death, attracting devotees from across Egypt.

The Pyramid of Sahure Architecture

The Sahure complex was an artistic marvel that was adorned with intricate relief carvings covering about 10,000 square meters of walls, though only 150 square meters have survived. Among these, a remarkable hunting scene spanning 8 meters by 3 meters stood out, considered unparalleled in ancient Egyptian art. Sahure’s temple had 370 meters of relief, while Khufu’s Great Pyramid had 100 meters. It was constructed from limestone blocks and encased in fine white Tura limestone. The main pyramid stood around 78.5 to 78.75 meters long and between 47 and 48 meters tall, showcasing an architectural flaw due to an eastward extension error. The internal chambers were plundered, hindering accurate reconstruction. Fragments of a basalt sarcophagus were the only remnants of the king’s burial found. The pyramid core was composed of six steps of limestone being held together with mud mortar, with an entrance to the north encased with fine white limestone.

A short passage descends from the entrance to a small hallway, and a heavy pink portcullis behind the corridor rises towards the antechamber. The internal passages were lined with granite, and the king’s burial chamber contained a gabled roof supported by three limestone beams. Both the burial chamber and the antechamber were badly damaged, and the only minor fragments of the basalt sarcophagus were found in the burial chamber.

Next to the pyramid’s east face, the mortuary temple featured various chambers like an entrance hall, statue chapel, offering hall, and storerooms, a design echoing earlier temple layouts. A smaller cult pyramid and a meticulously adorned causeway that spanned 235 meters linked the two temples together. The valley temple, which is situated by Abusir Lake, was distinctive with dual entrances; the purpose of the second entry remains unclear but might have connected to a nearby pyramid town. The use of valuable materials like granite, alabaster, and basalt showcased the opulence of Sahure’s complex despite the challenges of preserving its original grandeur.

The Pyramid of Sahure Contents

During the Old Kingdom in ancient Egypt, the mortuary complexes for rulers typically comprised five key parts: a valley temple, causeway, mortuary temple, cult pyramid, and the main pyramid. Sahure’s complex was a prime example, containing all these elements. His main pyramid was around 47 meters tall, built with six steps of stone covered in fine white limestone. Adjacent to it was a cult pyramid at the southeast corner and a mortuary temple next to its eastern face. These are connected to a valley temple by a lengthy causeway situated on Abusir Lake.

In the Fifth Dynasty, changes occurred in pyramid construction; pyramids became smaller with simpler building methods. However, there were improvements in relief decorations on walls and the expansion of storage spaces in temples. Sahure’s complex set a template for future Fifth and Sixth Dynasty complexes. His mortuary temple layout became the standard for later similar temples in the Old Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in the development of pyramid complexes.

Sahure’s complex was extensively adorned with relief decorations, considered some of the finest in the Old Kingdom. The walls featured around 10,000 square meters of finely carved relief, with his mortuary temple alone having 370 meters of these decorations. Comparatively, earlier and later ancient Egyptian kings had fewer relief decorations in their temples, indicating a decline in this artistic expression after Sahure’s reign.

Sahure’s temple also allocated a significant area for storerooms, showing a shift in focus toward the practical aspects of the mortuary cult’s daily activities. While earlier temples had minimal or no space for storerooms, Sahure dedicated about 21.6% of his mortuary temple’s area to these functional spaces, emphasizing their importance. This change reflects a shift in priorities within the mortuary cult’s rituals and operations.

The Main Pyramid

Sahure’s pyramid rests atop a hill that stands 20 meters (66 feet) on top of the Nile valley. Unlike its predecessors, this pyramid wasn’t carved into bedrock but was built upon a platform made of layered limestone. The core of the pyramid, originally featuring six steps, now retains five, likely fashioned from horizontally arranged limestone blocks. This core was primarily composed of roughly cut low-grade limestone held together by mud mortar and encased in a fine layer of white limestone. Its construction diverged notably from earlier pyramids. Large, roughly dressed grey limestone blocks were used for the outer faces, connected firmly with mortar, while smaller blocks framed the inner chambers. The space between these frames was filled with a mix of pottery shards, limestone chips, and sand held in place by clay mortar. This method expedited construction but compromised stability, resulting in only the pyramid’s outer casing being made of high-quality limestone.

Precise details regarding dimensions and appearance remain somewhat uncertain due to the pyramid’s deteriorated condition. The base’s length ranged between approximately 78.5 to 78.75 meters (258 to 258.4 feet), meeting at an angle of around 50 degrees and standing at a height between 47 to 48 meters (154 to 157 feet). An error in marking caused one corner to extend beyond, making the base irregular. During construction, a trench on the north face offered the chance for workers to build inner sections before filling it with rubble. Surrounding the pyramid is a courtyard paved with limestone, except for the place where the mortuary temple stands. This courtyard is enclosed by a rounded tall wall, measuring approximately 3.15 meters (10.3 feet) at its thickest points.

The Substructure

The access point to the substructure of the pyramid is situated slightly above ground level on its north face. A short passage, lined with granite, leads to a vestibule protected by a pink granite portcullis. The corridor beyond is flanked by granite walls and continues with a slope, transitioning from granite to limestone, before reaching its end. The substructure’s layout remains uncertain due to severe damage caused by stone thieves. Initially, there were conflicting reports about the funerary apartment, whether it consisted of one or two chambers. However, clearance work in 2019 revealed two rooms, with the burial chamber yet to be fully explored.

The antechamber occupies about 160 square feet, aligns with the pyramid’s vertical axis, and leads to the burial chamber. These spaces had ceilings made of three layers of limestone blocks designed to distribute the weight of the structure and prevent collapses. Some of the largest limestone blocks were massive, but most have been damaged or broken over time. Among the ruins, fragments of stone believed to be parts of the king’s basalt sarcophagus were discovered, representing the only remains found within the apartment.

The Valley Temple

Sahure’s valley temple, found by Abusir Lake on the desert’s edge, is now in ruins. Its rectangular shape, originally 105 feet long by 79 feet wide, faced north-south but now lies about 16 feet below current ground level due to Nile flood silt accumulation. This temple boasted two entrances: an elaborate eastern one with a column-adorned portico, polished basalt flooring, and decorated walls and ceiling portraying the entrance into the “Duat“. The columns were designed like date palms with painted capitals showcasing the king’s name. A secondary entrance on the south side led to a less adorned portico with cylindrical columns lacking decorative crowns, the purpose of which remains unclear.

The passages on the inside are connected to these entrances to a T-shaped hall with two columns, decorated originally with colorful reliefs depicting Sahure as a sphinx or griffin triumphing over Near Eastern and Libyan enemies. This hall is linked to additional rooms, one with a staircase to the roof terrace and a causeway at its far end. Sahure’s depiction of soldiers differed from Userkaf’s; Sahure’s soldiers displayed uniform postures, while Userkaf’s scene presented more dynamic but complex imagery. Sahure’s artisans compensated for uniformity by adding intricate details to the soldiers’ musculature and facial features, balancing the scene’s monotony.

The Causeway

Sahure’s causeway is a 771-foot “235 m” long limestone structure that is linked to the valley temple all the way to the mortuary temple. It was roofed which allowed slivers of light through the ceiling, lighting its walls adorned with colorful bas-reliefs. These depicted the king as a sphinx vanquishing enemies, scenes of offerings, animal rituals, and the transport of the pyramidion. One intriguing scene portrayed emaciated nomads, initially thought unique to Unas’ causeway, suggesting Saharan nomads’ hardship during the Sahara’s decline. However, the same scene in Sahure’s causeway raises doubt, hinting these nomads might symbolize the toil of builders bringing high-quality stone from distant mountains.

Another scene displayed Sahure with his family in a palace garden, confirming the identity of his consort, Meretnebty, plus his twin sons, Ranefer and Netjerirenre. Ranefer, possibly Neferirkare Kakai, held closer to Sahure, while Netjerirenre might be Shepseskare. A crucial relief showed a ship procession, possibly Egypt’s earliest voyage to Punt, known for myrrh, electrum, and wood. Sahure was depicted extracting resin from a tree, likely Boswellia, not myrrh, and later feasting with his family near these trees. This discrepancy challenges the notion that the depicted trees were Commiphora myrrha, suggesting they might indeed be Boswellia frankincense, owing to the color of the resin and the tool used for extraction.

The Mortuary Temple

Sahure’s mortuary temple was an architectural wonder and a complex space steeped in religious significance, reflecting the grandeur and meticulousness of ancient Egyptian construction and spiritual practices. Sahure’s mortuary temple was a grand structure aligned along an east-west axis, situated in front of his main pyramid. Constructed primarily from limestone but adorned with valuable materials like granite and alabaster, the temple stood as a blueprint for future designs during the Old Kingdom. It had an entrance hall transitioning from the causeway, though much of its original state is now lost. This hall likely mirrored the reception space in royal palaces. Beyond it, a corridor adorned with vivid reliefs depicting the king hunting and scenes of order amidst the wilderness led to an open courtyard. This courtyard featured granite columns, each symbolizing fertility and carrying inscriptions of the king’s name.

Detailed reliefs on its walls depicted the king’s victories, even specifying captured spoils like cattle and sheep. Further within was a transverse corridor separating public and private areas, showcasing scenes of maritime expeditions. The corridor led to a statue chapel, a crucial religious space housing statues, each representing different facets of the king’s identity. The offering hall was crucial in the temple’s mortuary rituals as it contained ornate bas-reliefs of deities offering to the king. An unusual false door here lacked expected inscriptions, sparking speculation about potential theft. The temple had an intricate drainage system that employed copper piping to manage rainwater and ritual liquids. Stone lion-head spouts on the outer walls funneled rainwater, which also symbolically wards off any kind of harmful evil spirit.

Cult Pyramid

There’s a smaller cult pyramid located near the southeast corner of the main pyramid, which has an enclosed area. This space can be entered either through the southern part of the transverse corridor or a portico at the side entrance of Sahure’s mortuary temple. This portico is quite elaborate, with basalt flooring and colorful reliefs showing deities and symbols giving blessings to the king. Beyond this area, there’s a room leading either to the transverse corridor or to an oblong room just before the cult pyramid in the south. The cult pyramid is known to be smaller compared to the main one, which was constructed with a core made of limestone block debris that is surrounded by yellow limestone blocks and covered with white limestone blocks, which is similar to the main pyramid’s structure.

It measured 15.7 meters in base length, narrowing towards the top at a height of 11.6 meters. Inside, there’s a corridor on the north side leading to a burial chamber slightly below ground level. This chamber was found empty and damaged, likely due to tomb raiders. The cult pyramids likely served a symbolic role, possibly containing the pharaoh’s spirit or a small statue. It might have been crucial for ritual ceremonies associated with the burial and revival of the spirit during ceremonial occasions. Also, there’s an unexplored burial ground accessible through the southern end of the transverse corridor, believed to be where Sahure’s consort, Meretnebty, and son, Netjerirenre, are known to be buried.

The Pyramid of Sahure Facts

• The pyramid of Sahure was constructed around 4,500 years ago and was a significant complex dedicated to the pharaoh Sahure of Ancient Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty.
• It was built in Abusir as the first pyramid in the area which kickstarted a phase of pyramid construction by Sahure’s successors, following the layout established by Userkaf’s earlier sun temple.
• It’s considered one of the earliest pyramids to feature smooth sides, departing from the stepped pyramid style of earlier constructions. This marks a transition towards the classic smooth-sided pyramids that became iconic in Egyptian architecture.
• It contains a series of chambers and corridors beneath the structure. These chambers were likely used for religious rituals and as the burial chamber for the king.
• The mortuary temple associated with Sahure’s pyramid features intricate reliefs and inscriptions depicting various aspects of daily life, religious ceremonies, and offerings to the gods.
• Although not as massive as some later pyramids, the Pyramid of Sahure still stands as a testament to ancient Egyptian engineering and planning. Its size and layout provide insight into the architectural evolution of pyramids during this 5th dynasty period.
• The presence of solar symbolism and alignment with celestial bodies in its design suggests a connection to the pharaoh’s association with the sun god Ra and the importance of solar worship during this period in ancient Egypt.
• Some inscriptions within the pyramid complex provide valuable historical and religious information, shedding light on the beliefs and practices of ancient Egyptians.