Khaba Pyramid
Introduction About The Pyramid
The Pyramid of Khaba, often referred to as the Layer Pyramid, is a monument to King Khaba of the Third Dynasty. He is believed to be Sekhemkhet’s successor.
In 1900, an Italian archaeologist named Alessandro Barsanti investigated the pyramid. For a while, no one knew who owned the structure. But then, an American Expedition led by Reisner went to the pyramid and excavated it along with a few mastaba tombs nearby.
Various fragments were discovered and had the name “Khaba” on them. Pottery pieces were found and had the name “Narmer” on them as well. This makes historians believe the structure is from the Second Dynasty.
At Zawyet el-Aryan, there is a southern pyramid there known as “Haram el-Meduwara.” Another name for it is the round pyramid because of its small size and the horribly damaged condition it is in. The pyramid’s base is around 84 meters squared.
The Pyramid of Khaba was originally going to be a step pyramid. Its core was constructed with masonry layers that sloped. All that remains is the first step’s lower area. Experts think this was originally a 5 to 7-step structure. As of today, its height is only about 16 meters. All the original limestone casings of Khaba’s pyramid are missing. This could indicate the pyramid’s construction was never finished.
Near the corner in the northeast, you can enter the subterranean chambers on a staircase that goes westward to a passage. From there, the passage goes south to a vertical shaft. In the upper area of the shaft, there is a second incomplete passageway which goes in the same direction.
If the lower passageway is taken, it goes to a second staircase which takes you to a burial chamber with nothing in it. If you go to the vertical shaft’s northern side, this was where 32 storage rooms were located. They are currently empty. Since it is a military zoned area, there have been few investigations of it.
At the Layer Pyramid’s northern side, the American Expedition team investigated the huge mastaba. It was deemed “Mastaba Z-500.” Alabaster vases were discovered which had Khaba’s Horus name on them. The owner of these artefacts is unknown.
Updated On March 29, 2020
