Information about the Pyramid of Unas: The End of the Old Kingdom

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Information about the Pyramid of Unas: The End of the Old Kingdom

05 16, 2023

The Step Pyramid of Djoser, built in Saqqara about 4,700 years ago, is considered the first pyramid ever built by the Egyptians. Egypt Travel Packages often include this incredible site for those looking to explore ancient Egyptian history. The ancient Egyptian pharaoh who gave the pyramid its name was Pharaoh Djoser, whose name was sometimes spelled Djoser, although he was called “Netgericht.” He ruled during the third Egyptian dynasty of the era of the pharaohs, and scholars attribute the layout of the pyramid to the famous Pharaonic architect Imhotep.

According to Egyptologist Mark Lehner in his book “The Complete Pyramids: Solving Ancient Mysteries,” Djoser was the name given to this king more than a thousand years after his reign. Egypt Shore Excursions often highlight this landmark due to its historical significance. The pyramid began as a mastaba tomb, a flat structure with sloping sides, and through a series of expansions evolved into a 197-foot (60-meter) pyramid, with six tiers, each built on top of another. Egypt Day Tours typically feature a visit to this iconic structure as part of a broader tour of Saqqara.

The pyramid was built using 11.6 million cubic feet (330,400 cubic meters) of stone and clay, and the tunnels beneath the pyramid form a labyrinth about 3.5 miles (5.5 kilometers) long. He adds that Djoser's stepped pyramid made it nearly impossible for a thief to access the burial chamber by digging from above, and that protection from grave robbers may have been a reason why the ancient Egyptians built the stepped pyramid.

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Egypt Tours FAQ

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We have thousands of temples in Egypt, which have been explored by Egyptian scientists. when you come here, you must first know the most famous tourist sites. Aswan is the place that has the most monuments in Egypt. You can visit there, the temple of Kom Ompo, the temple of Abu Sembil, as well as the High Dam. You should not miss the opportunity to see the Pyramids of Giza with the Great Sphinx.

King Unas, also known as Unis, was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who ruled during the late Fifth Dynasty of Egypt, approximately from 2375 to 2345 BC. His reign is historically significant for several reasons:

Pyramid Texts: King Unas is primarily known for being the first Pharaoh to have the Pyramid Texts inscribed inside his pyramid. These Pyramid Texts are a collection of religious and magical spells, prayers, and incantations designed to guide and protect the Pharaoh in the afterlife. They are considered among the oldest religious texts in the world and provide invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife, the Pharaoh's role as a divine ruler, and religious practices.

Funerary Complex: King Unas' pyramid complex, located at Saqqara, includes his pyramid, a mortuary temple, a causeway, and a valley temple. The inscriptions within the pyramid and its burial chamber contain the Pyramid Texts, making this complex an important archaeological and religious site.

Religious Significance: Unas' reign is associated with a renewed emphasis on religious practices and the Pharaoh's role as a divine intermediary. The Pyramid Texts reflect the belief in the Pharaoh's divine nature and his association with the sun god Ra.

Cultural Contributions: The Pyramid Texts contain rich mythological and religious narratives that shed light on ancient Egyptian cosmology and the mythology of the time. These texts played a significant role in shaping the religious beliefs and practices of the era.

End of an Era: King Unas' reign marked the end of the Old Kingdom period in Egypt. While his reign itself was relatively stable, the subsequent Sixth Dynasty saw the decline of central authority and the fragmentation of power among regional rulers. This marked the transition from the Old Kingdom to the First Intermediate Period, a period of political and social upheaval in Egyptian history.

Legacy: The pyramid texts inscribed in Unas' pyramid served as a template for future Pharaohs and their funerary texts. Subsequent rulers of the Sixth Dynasty continued to include pyramid texts in their pyramids, preserving and expanding upon this important religious tradition.

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