Pyramid of Neferirkare was built in the 25th century BC. It was the tallest structure on the highest site at the necropolis of Abusir. Site was chosen partly because of its relation to the administrative capital of the Old Kingdom, Inbu-Hedj known today as Memphis.
About Pyramid of Neferirkare in brief
The Pyramid of Neferirkare was built in the 25th century BC. It was the tallest structure on the highest site at the necropolis of Abusir. The Fifth Dynasty marked the end of the great pyramid constructions. The pyramid is also significant because its evacuation led to the discovery of the AbUSir Papyri. The location of the complex affected the construction process. In 1838, John Perring, an engineer under Colonel Howard Vyse, cleared the entrances to the pyramids. Five years later, Lepsius, the Egyptologist who catalogued Egypt, proposed the pyramid as the Nefer Kirkare necropolis. It has since been named after the pharaoh, who was entombed in the Necropolis. The site was chosen partly because of its relation to the administrative capital of the Old Kingdom, Inbu-Hedj known today as Memphis. It would have been no further than 4 km from the city centre. South-west of the pyramid workers could exploit quarry resources for the manufacture of masonry blocks used in the construction. The limestone there was particularly easy to quarry considering that gravel, tafl layers sandwiched between 0m and 0m thick, making it easier to dislodge from its matrix. It is similar to the Giza axis, which connects the south-east corners of the Gzi pyramids, and converges with theAbusir diagonal to a point in Heliopolis. The Abusirs assumed great import in the Fifth Dynasty after Userkaf, the first ruler, built his sun temple and, his successor, Sahure inaugurated a royal necropolis there with his funerary monument.
Sahure’s successor, his son Neferefre and Nyuserre Ini, were the second ruler to be entombing in the necropolises. The monuments to Khentkaus II; and his sons are found in the surrounds. Though their construction began under different rulers, all four of these monuments were completed during the reign of Ny userre. The pyramids were completed in haste, using cheaper building material, and were not completed until after the death of Sahure in 1776 BC. The Pyramid was originally built as a step pyramid: a design that had been antiquated after the Third Dynasty. This was then encased in a second step pyramid with alterations intended to convert it into a true pyramid; However, the ph Pharaoh’s death left the work to be completed by his successors. Instead, these were replaced by a small settlement of mudbrick houses south of the monument from where cult priests could conduct their daily activities, rather than the usual pyramid town near the valley temple. On the basis of the site being the highest point, the pyramid may have been intentionally selected to build the pyramid in line with the surrounding area and; that the site may be intentionally selected for its proximity to the city of Memphis. The pyramid became part of a greater family cemetery.
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