Maidum Pyramid
The pyramid of Maidum
was originally a seven-stepped pyramid. It was enlarged to an eight-stepped
pyramid. Eventually the steps were filled in and a smooth outer facing turned
it into a true pyramid. It stands on the desert's edge and is the only structure
in the vicinity. It is a huge structure that is surrounded by the debris from
the casing that collapsed. When the casing collapsed is uncertain. Some believe
that the collapse was the cause for the change in the angle of the Bent Pyramid.
Others believe it did not happen until the Roman times or possibly the Middle
Ages. The theory as to the reason for the collapse is that the distribution for
the stresses was calculated incorrectly. The stress was outward instead of
inward such as in the pyramids at Giza. Another belief is that the smooth outer
casing did not provide good bonding for the fill that was placed on there
later. The foundation was not sound enough for this change and the way the
blocks were laid was not well chosen. The four outer buttress walls gave way
and the walls collapsed.
The Maidum Pyramid is thought to have been started by Huni, the last ruler of
the 3rd Dynasty, and then completed by his son, Sneferu (Snofru). Sneferu was
the first 4th Dynasty pharaoh (2613 - 2494 BC).
The original size of the pyramid was 144m square and 42m high. The entrance
into the pyramid is on the north side up a 30m stairway. A passageway descends
down 57m to a level that is below the pyramid's foundation. The passageway
levels out and comes to a vertical shaft that leads up to the burial chamber.
This chamber has a corbelled roof and the walls are lined in limestone. The
construction timbers are still visible in this room. The chamber is on the same
level as the pyramid's foundation.
Near the pyramid is a cemetery which contains some important and quite large
mastabas. The most noted of these are the twin mastabas of Neferma'at and his
wife Itet and Re'hotpe (Rahotep) and his wife Nofret. In the mastaba of
Re'hotpe (Rahotep) were the found the statues of Re'hotpe and his wife. These
statues are now in the Egyptian Museum. There is also a mastaba in the cemetery
in which the entrance is the robbers' passage. This chamber is not decorated
and is a little difficult to get through. Inside the huge blocks of stone that
sealed the original entrance are still in place. A little north of the Maidum
Pyramid is the remains of the Seila (Silah) step pyramid. It is made of
limestone and is thought to be from the 2nd Dynasty.