What is the Benben Stone Black Pyramid made of?

The Benben Stone was likely made of granite, while the Black Pyramid was constructed with a mudbrick core and an outer casing of limestone.

How old is the Black Pyramid in Egypt?

The Black Pyramid is approximately 3,870 years old, dating back to around 1850 BCE during the Middle Kingdom.

Can you visit the Black Pyramid?

You can view the Black Pyramid externally, but entry is restricted due to its fragile and unstable condition.

How is the Black Pyramid different from the Great Pyramid?

The Black Pyramid was built with mudbrick and limestone and partially collapsed, while the Great Pyramid is made of solid limestone and granite and remains intact.

What Is the Top Traditional Egyptian Food?

Egypt boasts a diverse array of delectable cuisines, but we highly recommend trying Ful & Ta’meya (fava beans and falafel), the flavorful Mulukhiya, Koshary, a classic Egyptian pasta dish, and the traditional meat dishes Kebab & Kofta.

What is the Best Time to Visit Egypt?

The ideal time to visit Egypt is during the winter months, from September to April, when the climate is pleasantly tropical with a charming mix of warm weather and a refreshing winter breeze. You'll receive a notification in the week leading up to your trip if there are any climate-related safety concerns or changes to your plans.

What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?

You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.

Why Book With Sun Pyramids Tours?

For over two decades, we've crafted exceptional vacations across Egypt's most breathtaking destinations. Our team comprises top-tier operators, guides, and drivers, wholly devoted to ensuring your vacation is flawless. Every tour is meticulously tailored by our team of Travel, Financial, and Time consultants to perfectly suit your needs. Your safety and comfort are paramount to us, and we dedicate all our resources to providing the utmost atmosphere until your return home.

Is it Safe to Travel to Egypt?

You can rest assured of your safety in Egypt, as the current atmosphere in the country is notably peaceful. This stability follows significant governmental actions, such as the comprehensive restructuring of the tourist police force to cover all key tourist attractions in Egypt. Explore further about the safety of traveling to Egypt.

What to Wear While in Egypt?

Feel free to dress in whatever makes you feel comfortable. We suggest opting for lightweight and comfortable footwear, such as closed-toe shoes, to handle Egypt's varied terrain with ease. During the summer months, remember to apply sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's rays.

What are the Best Activities to Do in Egypt?

Embark on an unforgettable adventure by boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan, or vice versa. Experience the splendor of Egypt from a hot air balloon or a plane, and indulge in the delectable Egyptian cuisines and beverages while exploring the vibrant markets of old Cairo. Discover the enchanting beauty of the Red Sea in the captivating coastal resorts of Egypt, such as Hurghada, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant marine life through diving and snorkeling. Marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of the Western Desert on a safari trip beneath the celestial Egyptian skies.

What are Egypt Festival and Public Holidays?

In Egypt, there are numerous public holidays, spanning both religious and national observances. Among the most significant festivals are the sacred month of Ramadan, culminating in Eid Al Fitr, as well as Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations. Explore further about festivals and public holidays in Egypt.

What are Special Advice for Foreign Women in Egypt?

Egypt is often regarded as one of the more liberal Islamic nations, though it has witnessed a slight conservative shift in recent decades. As a precaution, it's recommended to refrain from exposing your chest, shoulders, or legs below the knees.

What are the Official Languages of Egypt?

Arabic serves as the official language of Egypt. However, in urban areas, most Egyptians have a grasp of English, or at least understand some English words or phrases. A smaller portion of the population can converse in French, Italian, Spanish, or German. Professional tour guides employed in the tourism industry are adept at assisting visitors who do not speak Arabic. They are proficient in English and other languages to cater to the diverse needs of our clients.

What is the Transportation in Egypt?

The quickest mode of transportation is undoubtedly by car, particularly a taxi. In Cairo, opt for a white taxi for faster travel. Alternatively, if the roads are congested during rush hours, you can take advantage of Egypt's speedy metro system.

What is the Weather is Like?

In Egypt, temperatures fluctuate between 37°C to 14°C. Summers tend to be hot, with occasional cool nights, while winters are generally cool and mild. The average low temperatures range from 9.5°C in winter to 23°C in summer, while the average high temperatures range from 17°C in winter to 32°C in summer. Along the coasts, temperatures remain moderate throughout the year.

What are the Reasons That Make You Visit Egypt?

Egypt is a haven for travelers, offering an array of attractions ranging from incredible historical sites dating back over 4000 years to captivating city resorts and beaches. Whatever you seek in a vacation, Egypt has it all. You'll experience the getaway you've always dreamed of, as Egypt offers everything you could possibly imagine.

10 Dec, 2024

Discover the Mysteries of the Black Pyramid in Dahshur

Tags: Pyramids

Discover the enigmatic Black Pyramid of Egypt with Sun Pyramids Tours. This ancient structure, built during the Middle Kingdom, offers a glimpse into the architectural advancements and historical significance of Pharaoh Amenemhat III’s reign. The Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III is an immortal motto of the creative essence and the strong will of ancient Egypt on their quest to establish an extraordinary wonder that paved the way for the rise of the great pyramids of Giza.

The Black Pyramid marks the unique respect and imagination of the ancient Egyptians, who utilized the black stones of their terrain to create a unique monument that honors the great structures of the Middle Kingdom of Egypt. It offers the chance to catch a glimpse of the ancient Egyptians of the middle kingdom of the holy land of Dahshur trying to preserve the lost art of pyramid creation. This article will provide all the information, in great detail, about this black wonder.

History Of The Black Pyramid

The Black Pyramid was built by Pharaoh Amenemhat III (1860 BC- 1814 BC) of the 12th Dynasty (1991 BC – 1802 BC) during the Middle Kingdom of Egypt (2055–1650 BC). It stands as one of the five remaining pyramids out of the original eleven constructed in Dahshur. The pyramid, also known as "Amenemhat is Mighty," gained the moniker "Black Pyramid" due to its dark hue and decaying appearance, resembling a unique rubble mound.

Originally intended as the final resting place for Pharaoh Amenemhat III and his royal wife-queens, the Black Pyramid marked significant advancements in Egyptian architectural techniques despite facing structural failures over time.

French archaeologist Jacques de Morgan excavated the Dahshur area around 1892. Later, in 1983, the German Archaeological Institute of Cairo undertook another excavation mission, further exploring and documenting the site.

Discover the Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III with Sun Pyramids Tours and delve into the fascinating history and mysteries of this remarkable structure. Join our guided tour for an unforgettable journey through ancient Egyptian heritage.

Location and How to Get the Black Pyramid

Located in the heart of Egypt in the Dahshur necropolis, south of Cairo, the Black Pyramid sits at the coordinates 29°47′30.0″N 31°13′25″E in Al Marazeek - Dahshour, Al Giza Desert, Giza Governorate. This site is rich with fascinating architectural intricacies and historical significance.

Visitors can easily access the Black Pyramid via a short drive from Cairo. For the best experience, it is recommended to book a guided tour with a travel agency, which provides convenient transportation and the expertise of a knowledgeable guide. This way, visitors can uncover the secrets of the Black Pyramid while also exploring other nearby pyramids and ancient sites in the region.

Discover the Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III with Sun Pyramids Tours and delve into the fascinating history and mysteries of this remarkable structure. Join our guided tour for an unforgettable journey through ancient Egyptian heritage.

Why is it Called the Black Pyramid?

Why is it Called the Black Pyramid

The Pyramid of Amenemhat III is called the "Black Pyramid" because of the dark, decayed mudbrick core that became exposed after the original limestone casing was removed. This mudbrick core, made from clay-rich soil, has a dark or blackish color. Over time, much of the outer casing stones, originally made of polished white Tura limestone, were removed or eroded.

These casing stones were highly prized and often repurposed for other construction projects in old Cairo, leaving the dark mudbrick core visible. This contrast between the dark core and the missing lighter casing stones gives the pyramid its distinctive and somewhat ominous appearance, leading to its name, the "Black Pyramid."

The Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III Architecture

The Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III rises majestically to a height of approximately 75 meters, standing as a colossal ancient wonder. Its base stretches to an impressive 105 meters in length, with a remarkably steep incline of 57 degrees, a unique departure from the more common pyramid designs.

Constructed during the Middle Kingdom era, it predominantly features a mudbrick and clay core. The distinctive ebony color comes from its limestone casing, encasing the mudbrick core. The ground level has an entrance leading to a spacious courtyard known for the presence of a mortuary temple enclosed by sturdy walls.

This temple held ten shaft tombs ingeniously carved into the natural rock between two sets of formidable walls. The pyramid's orientation extends from east to west, with entrances skillfully placed on its southeastern and southwestern corners. The core of the pyramid was a massive tower of mudbrick without internal walls, possibly due to concerns about the structure's proximity to the Nile River.

The Black Pyramid Architecture showcases an innovative design that reflects the engineering prowess of ancient Egypt. Book your tour now to explore this fascinating architectural wonder in Egypt's Dahshur region.

The Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III Contents

Despite its state of ruin, the Black Pyramid once housed the burial chambers of Amenemhat III, his queen, and several princesses. The mortuary temple, though heavily damaged, features an open courtyard with 18 granite columns shaped like sacred Papyrus plants. Behind it lies an offering hall.

The inner walls of the pyramid contain a series of niches that may have held statues of the king. A broad causeway with low brick walls on each side connected the Black Pyramid and the mortuary temple to the valley temple, composed of two open courts with a terrace raised above the other. The lower court walls formed a gateway resembling a tower.

In the court, a limestone model of a 13th dynasty pyramid with a subterranean chamber was found. To the west of the pyramid are several tombs belonging to various royal family members, including daughters of Amenemhat III, which contained personal items and jewelry of the princesses.

The Black Pyramid's Contents also include artifacts such as canopic jars and sarcophagi, offering insights into the burial practices and the pyramid's intended grandeur.

Explore the captivating history and treasures of the Black Pyramid with Sun Pyramids Tours. Book your tour now to delve into the ancient mysteries of Dahshur. Visit Sun Pyramids Tours - Black Pyramid Tour.

Pyramidion of Amenemhat III

The magnificent Pyramidion of Pharaoh Amenemhat III is a unique piece of art created around 1850 BC to become the capstone that crowned the Black Pyramid of Dashur. This magical artifact, displayed in the Egyptian Museum, remains a testament to ancient craftsmanship.

The Pyramidion of Amenemhat III was rediscovered in 1900 during an inspection in the Dashur area after robbers attacked the guards at the Saqqara necropolis. The basalt capstone measures 1.85 meters in base length, 1.40 meters in height, and weighs approximately 4.5 tonnes.

Intricate inscriptions cover the four upper faces:

The eastern face showcases a sun disk flanked by magical uraei and wadjat, representing the king's eyes. The sun disk refers to the god Ra, and "Nefer" stands for beauty. The composition reads, "Amenemhat Beholds the Perfection of Ra."

The northern face showcases the king's exalted status, while the eastern face wishes for the king to be the lord of the horizon and cross the magical upper sky.

The southern face carries the image of Imiut or Anubis, shedding light on the king's connection with the western desert and his golden inheritance.

The western face features images of Sokar-Osiris and Ptah, providing power and life to the king.

The name of the god Amun found in the cartouches of Amenemhat has been erased, possibly during the reign of Akhenaten in the 18th Dynasty. This suggests that the pyramidion may have been on the ground since 1350 BC. Some believe the incredible preservation of the Pyramidion of Amenemhat III led to the belief that it was never placed on top of the pyramid.

Unveil the Secrets of the Black Pyramid with Sun Pyramids Tours

Immerse yourself in the enigmatic world of Egypt's pyramids with Sun Pyramids Tours. Our expert guides will lead you through the mysteries of the Black Pyramid, unveiling the secrets of Pharaoh Amenemhat III's reign.

Traverse through time and marvel at the engineering feats of these historical treasures. Discover Giza's iconic Pyramids and Sphinx, then venture deeper into history at Bent and Red Pyramids in Dahshur, and explore the intriguing Medium Pyramid. Our expert-guided tours provide a rich narrative that spans various pyramids and necropolises, offering a comprehensive look into Egypt's ancient wonders.

Book your tour today to experience Egypt's rich heritage firsthand. Visit Sun Pyramids Tours for more details and to embark on an immersive journey through Egypt's pyramid legacy!

Why do I book with Sun Pyramids Tours?

Expertise and Experience: Sun Pyramids Tours has a wealth of 53 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry.
Customized Itineraries: Sun Pyramids Tours offers tailored itineraries to suit your preferences. Whether you're interested in historical sites, cultural immersion, or adventure activities, we can design a tour that matches your interests.
Local Connections and Insider Access: Sun Pyramids Tours can provide you with unique opportunities and insider access to attractions and experiences that may not be easily accessible to independent travelers.
Hassle-Free Planning: Sun Pyramids Tours can take the stress out of planning your trip. We handle all the logistics, including accommodations, transportation, and guided tours, at competitive prices… Relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about the details.
Customer Satisfaction: Sun Pyramids Tours prides itself on providing excellent customer service and ensuring customer satisfaction. They strive to meet and exceed your expectations, making your trip enjoyable and memorable. Add trip advisor reviews, Facebook page reviews, etc.
Safety and Security: Sun Pyramids Tours prioritizes the safety and security of their guests. We work with trusted partners, adhere to safety guidelines, and provide support throughout your journey to ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience.

Egypt warmly welcomes visitors with its majestic Nile River, desert landscapes, and the fertile Delta, along with its remarkable and awe-inspiring landmarks. With our Egypt tour packages, you’ll have the chance to uncover the most mesmerizing wonders of the land of the Pharaohs, including the iconic Giza Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, Abu Simbel, the Karnak temples, and so much more. The Nile River is also the perfect setting for one of our Nile cruises, where you can sail through history, admiring the magnificent monuments between Luxor and Aswan. The opportunity is right here for you—don’t miss out, book with us today!