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SAQQARA:
Mastaba of al-Faraoun

Mastaba al-Faraoun, Saqqara, Egypt


Mastaba al-Faraoun, Saqqara, Egypt

The entrance. It used to have a door which the local guide could unlock, but now it has been firmly walled up.

Mastaba al-Faraoun, Saqqara, Egypt

The Mastaba of al-Faraoun was built by far larger stones than the Pyramid of Pepi 2, which lies in the background.

This unusually large structure is ascribed to Shepsekaf, the son of Menkaure, the builder of the smallest of the 3 pyramids at Giza. Whether Shepsekaf wanted to distance himself from the pyramid craze of his predecessors or if he didn't have to time to build more during his 5 years in power, is a question of debate.
As a matter of fact, it is commonly believed that he was never buried here at all. The 21 metre long corridor leading to the intended resting place of this not too famous pharaoh from around 2500 BCE is unfortunately no longer accessible, the entrance has been sealed off by concrete.
It is possible to climb on top, the guard here (he will find you) will invite you. What you get is just a better view of the entire area.

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