The lost pyramid of Abu Rawash

Mysterious Staircase of ‘The Lost Pyramid’ in Egypt And Where It Leads To!

The Pyramid of Djedefre, often called “The Lost Pyramid,” is one of the most enigmatic structures of Egypt. Abu Rawash is located a little far from the rest of the Giza Pyramids. It is weaker in terms of density or fame. However, the Jazzafir holds some mystery that baffles archaeologists and historians. Most baffling of all is a staircase that seems to go nowhere.

The Lost Pyramid is not nearly as magnificent as the Great Pyramid. The ruins of the Pyramid of Djedefreat first hinted that it was another great pyramid in the works. However, recent studies show that it was designed and completed to match the third largest Giza Pyramid ‘Menkaure’ in size. Let’s find out more about the staircase and the secrets of the lost pyramid.

The Mysterious Staircase: A Closer Look

Unlike the others, this stairway does not bear a study close to any other stairways housed in any other pyramids in Egypt. In most cases, the pyramid passage runs downwards to the burial chamber. However, this one seems to go upwards. It just stops there unfinished as if the project was never executed. It’s constructed through the core of the pyramid. This stairway suggests its importance to the design of the pyramid but it just suddenly ends there.

Some scholars of ancient Egyptian culture assume that the staircase led to a hidden chamber. Some say it is for an upper level of the pyramid, with purposes for secondary burial or a treasury. The existence of no further passage or chamber at the top of the staircase gives evidence of abandonment or at least changes to the original plan. Other theories suggest the symbolic functions of the staircase. Such as to be either a model of the pharaoh’s journey into the afterlife or his connection to the divine. Hence, it is still part of the grand design known as the staircase of the Lost Pyramid.

The Pyramid of Djedefre: A Monument of Ambition

Djedefre, the son of the great Pharaoh Khufu, chose Abu Rawash, a site away from the Plateau of Giza where his father built the colossal Great Pyramid. This has led to many speculations about why Djedefre made this decision. Some historians believe that Djedefre was trying to draw a line between himself and the rule of his father. This perhaps could have been caused by political or religious reasons, adding further to the saga of the pyramid and the staircase of the lost pyramid.

The ruinous Pyramid of Djedefre, built more than 4,000 years ago by the pharaoh of the same name
The ruinous Pyramid of Djedefre, built more than 4,000 years ago by the pharaoh of the same name | Image source: express.co.uk
View from space of Abu Rawash site you can see the open air entrance of the pyramid
View from space of Abu Rawash site you can see the open air entrance of the pyramid | Image source: Gigal Research

The Pyramid of Djedefre was originally intended to be taller than the Great Pyramid. This pyramid left unfinished, and much of its stone was later quarried for other building projects. Remainders of the core structure and the base give an idea about the enormous architectural aspirations of the fourth dynasty.

One of the mysteries of the pyramid is its incomplete nature. The construction of the pyramid stopped because of the death of Djedefre. Some point out reasons such as political unrest or lack of means. The remains of the pyramid suggest that they demolished the pyramid systematically during the Roman times.

Theories and Speculations: Where Does the Staircase Lead?

Archaeologists disagree on its purpose. Some archaeologists say that it led to an upper chamber that they never built. Possibly because this pyramid is unfinished. The structure of the core of the pyramid that seems to indicate more construction planned but never conducted. Regardless, one can’t help but wonder about the true purpose of the staircase of the lost pyramid.

Abu Rawash pyramid and the local geological series
Abu Rawash pyramid and the local geological series | Image source: Researchgate.net

Original measurements of the Pyramid of Djedefre, Staircase of the lost pyramid
Original measurements of the Pyramid of Djedefre | Image source: © 2019 Historicaleve.com
Plan of the pyramid of Djedefre, Staircase of the lost pyramid
Plan of the pyramid of Djedefre | Image source: Gigal Research

The other possibility is that the staircase performed a symbolic role. In ancient Egyptian thinking, stairways, and ramps often had the meaning of ascending to the heavens for the pharaoh’s soul. Consequently, the staircase within Djedefre’s pyramid could have symbolized the pharaoh’s journey to join the sun god Ra, constituting the core of religious belief. Such a symbolic meaning could have been tied to more general religious and cultural practices of the Old Kingdom.

There has also been speculation that the staircase was part of some more intricate architectural plan that included a network of hidden chambers and passages. In this respect, a number of Egyptologists even think that the pyramid might have been designed to house a plurality of levels, each fulfilling a different ritual or symbolic purpose. Situated within this would be the staircase as a central architectural artifact, yet the program around this is uncertain. Could this be the ultimate purpose of the staircase of the Lost Pyramid?

The Significance of Abu Rawash in Egyptian History

Abu Rawash, the site of Djedefre’s pyramid, holds quite an important place in Egyptian history. Located only 8 kilometers northwest of Giza, Abu Rawash was of strategic importance. Major trade routes passed close by that linked Egypt to the greater Mediterranean world. Thus, this choice compelled to the requirements of visibility and proximity to essential transportation routes. This made both constructing and keeping up the pyramid easier.

The choice of Abu Rawash also reflects Djedefre’s desire to erect his legacy independently of his father, Khufu. Far from the site of the latter’s construction, Djedefre was thus making a statement about his reign and his place in Egyptian history. Although incomplete, the Pyramid of Djedefre becomes a statement of the ambition and vision of one of the least-known pharaohs of Egypt.

The site’s relative obscurity preserved it better than the more famous sites like Giza. This gives archaeologists an excellent opportunity to study the pyramid’s construction techniques. Also provides insight about its place within the broader context of the Old Kingdom pyramid building. Construction techniques and positioning in the larger picture of Old Kingdom pyramid building make this a valuable site for archaeologists. The ruins of Djedefre’s pyramid, along with the intriguing staircase of the lost pyramid, maintain a significance that puts forward for researchers a view into the development of pyramid building and the religious beliefs at that time.

Geometric Analysis of the Djed-efre Pyramids on Abu Rawash Plateau in Egypt;

Conclusion

The Djedefre pyramid stairway is one of ancient Egypt’s most enigmatic enigmas. This passage presents one of the greatest unsolved puzzles to historians and archaeologists. It either symbolizes the afterlife or the remains of an unfinished architectural feature. The Pyramid of Djedefre, with its mysterious staircase called the Staircase of the lost pyramid, testifies to the ambition and complexity of ancient Egyptian civilization. With more research, we will be able to detect the real purpose of this mystic staircase and that lost pyramid.

 

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