Transitions in Pyramid Orientation. New Evidence from the Seila Pyramid

Keywords

Pyramids, Ancient Egypt, Papyri

Abstract

Snefru, first king of the Fourth Dynasty, developed the true pyramid and set a new design for pyramid complexes that would be followed closely thenceforth. The architectural elements of his pyramids represent a transition period. One of those transitions is a change from a primarily north-south orientation to that of primarily east-west. While much of the evidence for this transition has long been known, excavations from his small pyramid at Seila add more information about this transition. Much of the information about the Seila Pyramid has not been previously published. Herein we outline some of that evidence, demonstrating that the Seila Pyramid has elements of ritual activity on both the northern and eastern side of the pyramid, including a northern altar, statue and offering table, and an eastern ritual porch, stelae and causeway

Original Publication Citation

“Transitions in Pyramid Orientation: new evidence from the Seila Pyramid,” Studien zur Altägyptischen Kultur, 44/1 (2015): 249-258, tables 37-38.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2015

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/6319

Publisher

Academia

Language

English

College

Religious Education

Department

Ancient Scripture

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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