Abusir

Abusir A site south of GIZA dating to the Fifth Dynasty

(2465–2323 B.C.E.) and containing a vast cemetery and

pyramidal complexes. The large pyramid of SAHURÉ (r.

2458–2446 B.C.E.) dominates the site that once contained

14 such structures, most now reduced to cores of rubble

or stone. Sahuré’s pyramid has a causeway, VALLEY TEMPLE,

and a canal intact. The portico of the valley temple

has eight columns as well as a large hall provided with

wall reliefs and a black basalt pavement. A temple area

dedicated to the goddess SEKHMET appears to have been

refurbished as a shrine in later eras, aiding in its preservation.

Storerooms, corridors, and niches form two levels,

and red granite papyrus columns support the upper floor.

Cultic chambers, a sanctuary with an altar, and a granite

false door were also found there. An elaborate drainage

system was incorporated into the complex, using lionheaded

gargoyles and open channels. Copper-lined basins

were connected to underground copper pipes in this system.

These are still visible. Called “the Soul of Sahuré

Glistens” at its dedication, this pyramid has a limestone

core as the foundation, filled with sand and rubble and

faced with fine stone.

The mastaba of the nobleman PTAHSHEPSES, a relative

of NIUSERRÉ (r. 2416–2392 B.C.E.) and a court official, is a

fully developed structure to the north of Niuserré unfinished

monument. Ptahshepses’ tomb has a colonnaded

court with 20 pillars, a portico, a hall, and a chamber

depicting family portraits.

Niuserré’s pyramidal complex was dedicated as “the

Places of Niuserré are Enduring.” In erecting his valley

temple, Niuserré usurped part of KAKAI’s original structure.

The core was made of limestone and included a

colonnaded court and cultic chamber.

The pyramid of Kakai (Neferirkaré; r. 2446–2426

B.C.E.) was built out of mud brick and completed by his

successor. It was dedicated as “Kakai Has Become a Soul”

or as “the Pyramid of the Ba-spirit.” Local limestone

formed the core, and the facing was a fine limestone and

red granite.

The pyramid of NEFEREFRÉ (r. 2419–2416 B.C.E.) is

also located on the site of Abusir. It was dedicated as “the

Pyramid which is Divine of the Ba-spirits” but was never

completed. It was a low mound of limestone, with no

causeway or temple. Another ruin at Abusir is associated

with Queen KHENTAKAWES, the consort of SHEPSESKHAF (r.

2472–2467 B.C.E.).

A new tomb was recently discovered at Abusir, dating

to the Sixth Dynasty (2323–2150 B.C.E.) and built for

a judge named Inti. Large, with ground and subterranean

levels, the tomb is part of a complex of sites belonging to

Inti’s family. Elaborate decorations and statues have also

been found.

Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt