Pyramid of Djedefre

Welcome to Abu Rawash, the site of the 'Lost Pyramid' of Pharaoh Djedefre. Located about 8 kilometers north of the Giza Plateau, this site is perched on a high rocky outcrop that is the northernmost point of the Memphite…

We stand at the edge of the massive burial shaft of Djedefre, a feat of engineering that leaves many visitors in awe. Unlike the pyramids at Giza, where the chambers were built into the core or tunneled into the rock, Djedefre…

Scattered around the base of the pyramid are massive blocks of pink granite, some of which are truly gargantuan. One block in particular is estimated to weigh over 100 tons. …

To the east of the main pyramid, we find a long, narrow pit carved into the rock. This is the solar boat pit, a feature shared with his father Khufu's pyramid at Giza. …

We now explore the area to the south and east of the main pyramid, where the remains of the mortuary temple and the satellite pyramid are located. The mortuary temple was where daily offerings were made to the deceased king's…

The current state of Djedefre's pyramid is a direct result of its long and turbulent history following the Old Kingdom. For centuries, this site was used as a massive stone quarry. …

Our final section before the closing focuses on the perimeter of the complex. The pyramid of Djedefre was surrounded by a massive stone enclosure wall, which defined the sacred space of the pharaoh's afterlife. …

As we conclude our journey at Abu Rawash, we must re-evaluate the story of the 'Lost Pyramid.' For a long time, Djedefre was seen as a footnote in history—a pharaoh whose reign was short and whose monument was a failure. But as…