The Hidden Pyramid
Did Size Matter To This Pharaoh?
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Lunch
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Transfers
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Guide
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$135pp
Adults ≥ 17 Yrs Group of 2
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$125pp
Groups 3-5 adults
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$105pp
Groups ≥ 6 adults
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$60pp
Child 6 – 16.9 Yrs
Overview
Abu Rawash is an active archaeological site, 8 kilometres north of Giza and which includes the Pyramid of Djedefre. It is the northernmost pyramid in Egypt.  And it has been researched by Egyptologists since the late 1890’s.
The Pyramid of Djedefre is also known by its ancient name of Djedefre’s Starry Sky and more recently as ‘The Lost Pyramid’. Pharaoh Djedefre ruled for about 8 years (2584—2576 BCE). But as important as the pyramid is for what it tells us about ancient Egypt, there is a greater story to tell. And it’s all about family!
 Consider the Family Tree of Pharaoh Djedefre
- Pharaoh Sneferu, who is accredited with the construction of pyramids at Meidum and 2 at Dhashur (the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid), was the father of Khufu (who succeeded him).
- Khufu built the largest pyramid ever built on the Giza Plateau.
- Khufu had 2 sons, Khafre and Djedefre.
- Khafre built his own pyramid, the second largest pyramid in Egypt, next to his father’s pyramid on the Giza Plateau.
- Djedefre built his pyramid on an escarpment at Abu Rawash 8 miles away. In fact, his pyramid looked over the Giza Plateau as it was in an elevated position. This made it appear larger than it was.
- Menkaure, the son of Khafre and the nephew of Djedefre, built his pyramid next to his father Khafre’s pyramid on the Giza Plateau. It is the smallest of the 3 Giza Plateau pyramids.
From the investigations at Abu Rawash, Djedefre’s pyramid was approximately the same size as Menkaure’s.  But it appeared larger because it had a higher elevation on an escarpment than the Giza Plateau pyramids – an optical illusion. Sneferu, his family and descendants, had an illustrious history of being involved in the construction of Egypt’s 8 largest pyramids and each being, at various stages, Pharaohs of Egypt.
So Why Build a Pyramid at Abu Rawash?
The reality is that we don’t really know. Was it sibling rivalry, an act of defiance or independence from a brother or simply because he liked the geography of where he built. The question will probably never be answered. But the pyramid built by Djedefre at Abu Rawash applied some and discarded other building approaches that his grandfather and father (Sneferu and Khufu) had experimented with.
Djedefre’s grandfather Sneferu, had been the master of testing previously untried techniques at Dhashur that ultimately led to the construction of what is referred to as the perfect pyramid (the Red Pyramid). But not before learning and perhaps realising from mistakes made at the Bent Pyramid and at Meidum before that. Sneferu was no doubt a genius and to build 3 pyramids in his lifetime was simply incredible.
And the romantics amongst us, have suggested that Khufu, his son, must have played in the shadows of his father Sneferu’s pyramid building activities in Dhashur. And then later, having learned lessons which he applied when he built his own pyramid on the Giza Plateau. Sounds like a good story, but as we’ve said, we will never really know.
But what we can say, is that the family was remarkably gifted in their passion to build such large structures. And we can say with great certainty, that their passion was fuelled by a total belief in the afterlife and their obligation to secure the well being of their fellow Egyptians. By building pyramids that would help them take their position with the Gods of eternal life and to be able to look after their fellow Egyptians and take care of them was what drove them.
Gallery
Ancient Egyptian Research Association
One Horizon Africa is a member of AERA. AERA brings together archaeologists and specialists from around the world to address questions regarding the origin, nature, and development of the Egyptian state. By becoming a member of AERA you support the training of young Egyptian archaeologists and the survey, mapping, excavation, and the analysis of archaeological sites. We encourage everyone to become a member and support the work of AERA.
Itinerary
What You Can Expect From this Extraordinary Experience
This is an extraordinary excavation site which continues to unveil its secrets.  It is part of a larger necropolis which science and new technologies is continuing to unravel. And when you establish the link with the pyramids of Giza, its an intriguing story. It’s an active investigation site that travellers rarely go to and with our expert guides, you will be enthralled.
- The Pyramid of Djedefre at Abu Rawash is an amazing archaeological site in that it offers insights into ancient Egyptian construction techniques in a way which wasn’t possible before its discovery.
- You will be able to walk down the ramp and into the burial chamber, remembering that as you walk down the secrets of construction are revealed. And this is what us appealing to Egyptologists and travellers.
- The plundering of stone that occurred from the site from about 1570 BC, left Egyptologists with a rare opportunity to see the internal construction methods that the Egyptians used. The end result was like cutting a cake and seeing the internal layers.
- Some of the methods in construction were throwbacks to earlier periods of pyramid construction whilst the others were new adaptations.
- The underground burial chamber was completely different from anything before. It consists of an internal T-shaped room, with internal dimensions of 24m long and 11m wide. Djedefre’s cartouche was found in the chamber which identified him the owner.  His sarcophagus and remains have, however, never been found.
- The pyramid was, based on the calculations of Egyptologists, a massive construction which would have had a commanding presence because of its position on the escarpment.
How Was Djedefre Pyramid Constructed?
Djedefre Pyramid was constructed on a hill and hence the inner structures of this pyramid were made up of the existing hill. This is estimated to have saved construction time by reducing the amount of stone require to be cut and laid and which would have accounted for approximately 40% of the mass of the building.
Hence it was various layers of the casing stones which were laid over the natural formation of the hill which were impressive in the design and its application. Djedefre’s Pyramid had a solid core.
What About the Burial Chamber?
Djedefre’s pyramid was different from those of his grandfathers and various other pyramid builders.  The burial tombs were underneath the pyramid and not inside it.  Djedefre pyramid had been built by digging a ramp and pit down into the exiting rock.  The burial tomb’s access passage was built within the pit and deep into the ground. Once the ‘inner tomb and various chambers’ were complete, the pit and ramp were back filled with stone and sand, forever sealing it. It was only then that the pyramid was built atop. So, the burial tomb was made without tunnelling, and it avoided the difficulties of making tombs within the body of the pyramid itself.
What is Left of Djedefre’s Pyramid?
Djedefre’s pyramid had all the supporting infrastructure (causeway, valley temple and surrounding walls etc) associated with a pharaohs pyramid for the worship rituals of the priests to help the pharaoh transcend to the gods. But when the pharaonic period withered and the site eventually abandoned, the site was plundered of its stone. The causeway which linked the pyramid to the valley (estimated at over 1,700 metres long) was the major culprit. It gave easy road access to the pyramid and the stone’s removal. It has been researched and suggested that the destruction started at the end of the New Kingdom (1570 – 1544 BC). About 2-3 meters of casing stone has been left above ground. So essentially and for the first time in history the pyramid was dismantled stone by stone.
Leaving Abu Rawash for Lunch
We enjoy taking our guess out for lunch because it’s another way to experience Egyptian culture. We just want to make the following points. We only take our guests to the best restaurants.  We place good hygiene and cleanliness within those establishments as the number 1 priority. The restaurants offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. If you choose to pass on lunch, we won’t take it personally. But please be assured, your health and safety is our overriding priority.
INCLUSIONS
- Pick up and return to your hotel in air conditioned vehicles
- Water
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Services of an English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees to the Abu Rawash
Exclusions
- Personal expenditure of any kind
- Tips
Video
This Video: The lost Pyramid is available on You Tube.  Please follow the link
ARCHAEOLOGY 2.0
Dr Mark Lehner ranks amongst the most outstanding Egyptologists of the modern era. Within a select group of Egyptologists such as Petrie, Carter, Hawass and others, Mark has earned his international reputation based on over 40 years of conducting research and excavations in Egypt.  His discoveries, such as the workers village close to the Giza Pyramids, and his academic treatise and publications have contributed greatly to the world’s understanding of ancient Egypt. Mark is also the founder of the Ancient Egyptians Research Associates (AERA) whose work includes training the next generation of Egyptian Egyptologists.
Within One Horizon, training our tour guides so that they provide our clients with the most factual, up to date and insightful information draws heavily from Mark’s 40 years of research, analysis and dedication. And so, our guides remain at the forefront of current learnings and knowledge that enhances our guests Egyptian experience with us.
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