ABU RUASH:
The lonesome pyramid
Redjedef was a pharaoh of the 4th Dynasty and ruled for 9 years, from 2566 until 2558 BCE. For more information check the Encyclopaedia of the Orient: Redjedef. Due to its collapsed state, and indications of step walls, there have been debate over whether Pharaoh Redjedef actually intended to build a pyramid or not. Both a step pyramid and merely a mastaba has been suggested. It is also possible that Redjedef used the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur as model. What appears is that Pharaoh Redjedef clearly intended to deviate from the traditions of his time, well illustrated by him erecting his tomb at a location in good distance from Giza. His burial chamber was placed deep inside a natural mound, which was used as a part of the pyramid in order to speed up the building process.
There is one more pyramid at Abu Ruash, discovered as late as in 1985. It appears as little more than a knoll, and is made from mudbrick. It has been assigned to Huni (2637-2613 BCE), the last ruler of the 3rd Dynasty, and father of Snefru, the first ruler of the 4th Dynasty and builder of the first true pyramids.
Eat and Sleep
Redjedef's pyramid lies next to the village of Abu Ruash which has no hotels or restaurants. This means that you must use to amenities of Cairo, about 20 km away.
Transportation
Getting to Abu Ruash means getting a taxi and hoping for the driver to know the area. Because the track up to the pyramid is hard to find, and even some locals know little of it.
