Step, Bent, And Red Pyramids of Sneferu
In the 4th Dynasty, a pharaoh known as Sneferu ordered the construction of three pyramids, only one of which he decided to make his final resting place.
The first was a step pyramid, similar to that of Djoser. This structure was intended to have eight steps, though only three remain, with the middle layer being much taller than the other two. While there is a burial chamber inside, there is no evidence to suggest that it was ever used for that purpose.
After 14 years of construction, however, he abandoned that pyramid in favor of a new one. Most well-known as the Bent Pyramid, its shape follows a gradual incline until approximately halfway up, where the angle becomes slightly less steep, giving the pyramid appearance of curved edges.
Fans of Rick Riordan’s book series The Kane Chronicles may recognize the name of Sneferu’s final pyramid: the Red Pyramid. Also called the North Pyramid, this is considered to be Egypt’s first “true pyramid” – which is to say that its sides all slope evenly and continually upwards, without being broken up into steps. Sneferu was apparently satisfied with this style, as he was once entombed inside.
At-A-Glance
- The pharaoh Sneferu attempted to build his own step pyramid, but it was ultimately unsuccessful.
- He then built the Bent Pyramid, a structure with sides that follow a gradual incline before abruptly becoming less steep at the halfway point.
- Finally, he was successful with the Red Pyramid, which is considered Egypt’s first “True Pyramid”.