Dahshur is a remarkable destination near Cairo that can be included in standard Cairo Day Tours. During the exploration of Dahshur and its pyramids, archaeologists uncovered the remnants of seven pyramids, which served as tombs for queens and nobility from Memphis, dating back to the 13th Dynasty of the Middle Kingdom. The archaeological site of Dahshur features the last two pyramids built in the area, which have succumbed to the passage of time, including the Black Pyramid from the 12th Dynasty, which is significantly eroded. Visitors can explore the pyramids and numerous other archaeological sites in Cairo through one of Egypt's luxury tours, which offer accommodations in premier hotels and Nile cruises. Alternatively, for those on a tighter budget seeking to optimize their time and expenses, a variety of affordable Egypt tour packages are available. Additionally, for individuals who have experienced an accident and are dealing with physical injuries, our professional operators provide a selection of wheelchair-accessible tour packages in Egypt, equipped with accessible vehicles and facilities for individuals with disabilities, which is a key feature of our classic tours in Egypt.
Dahshur is renowned for housing two of Egypt's most well-preserved pyramids. Constructed during the reign of King Sneferu, the founder of the 4th Dynasty, the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid serve as significant indicators of the architectural advancements that ultimately culminated in the creation of the Great Pyramid of King Cheops and the subsequent pyramids of his immediate successors at Giza. The Bent Pyramid represents the initial construction effort at Dahshur under King Sneferu. It marked the ancient Egyptians' first endeavor to create a smooth-sided pyramid; however, errors in the distribution of the cut stones resulted in an incorrect angle, leading to its designation as "The Bent Pyramid." This structure was never utilized by the king, who promptly embarked on a more ambitious project. When visiting Dahshur, tourists will find that their experience extends beyond mere photography, as they will have the opportunity to explore both of King Sneferu's remaining burial sites, the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid. King Sneferu subsequently commissioned the construction of the second pyramid at Dahshur, known as the Red Pyramid, applying lessons learned from previous errors. Upon its completion, this pyramid was deemed a success, featuring a fully constructed, smooth exterior and reaching a height of 104 meters. The Red Pyramid derives its name from the red limestone used in its construction and is believed to serve as the final resting place of King Sneferu.
Following the death of King Sneferu, his son Khufu initiated the construction of the third pyramid, which would become known as The Great Pyramid of Giza, recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world.
Numerous tombs belonging to royal women have been discovered in proximity to the pyramid, dating back to the 12th Dynasty, and these tombs contained a significant quantity of jewelry, showcasing the pinnacle of metalworking in ancient Egypt during that era. The pyramid of Senusret III is accompanied by smaller pyramids dedicated to royal women. Extensive cemeteries for officials from both the Old Kingdom and the Middle Kingdom have been unearthed around the pyramids of Dahshur, which served as Egypt's royal necropolis during the reign of King Amenemhat II of the 12th Dynasty.
For those interested in understanding the construction of the Great Pyramids and exploring the myths surrounding them, there is a website that offers extensive information and visual resources. This platform provides insights into the methods used in the construction of the grand pyramids and shares intriguing narratives about them, enhancing your knowledge of Giza and its historical significance.