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{{short description|Village in Giza Governorate, Egypt}}
{{Short description|Village in Giza Governorate, Egypt}}
{{Infobox ancient site
{{Infobox ancient site
| name = Dahshur
| name = Dahshur
| native_name = منشأة دهشور<br>ⲧⲁϩϭⲟⲩⲣ
| native_name = منشأة دهشور<br>ⲧⲁϩϭⲟⲩⲣ
| alternate_name =
| alternate_name =
| image = Dahshur - Red Pyramid - Tourist policemen on camel.JPG
| image = Dahshur - Red Pyramid - Tourist policemen on camel.JPG
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = [[Sneferu]]'s [[Red Pyramid]]
| caption = [[Sneferu]]'s [[Red Pyramid]]
| map_type = Egypt
| map_type = Egypt
| map_alt =
| map_alt =
| map_size =
| map_size =
| relief =
| relief =
| coordinates = {{coord|29|48|23|N|31|12|29|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|29|48|23|N|31|12|29|E|display=inline,title}}
| location = [[Giza Governorate]], [[Egypt]]
| location = [[Giza Governorate]], [[Egypt]]
| region = [[Lower Egypt]]
| region = [[Lower Egypt]]
| type = [[Necropolis]]
| type = [[Necropolis]]
| part_of =
| part_of =
| length =
| length =
| width =
| width =
| area =
| area =
| height =
| height =
| builder = [[Sneferu]]
| builder = [[Sneferu]]
| material =
| material =
| built = 2613–2589 BC
| built = 2613–2589 BC
| abandoned =
| abandoned =
| epochs = [[Old Kingdom of Egypt|Old Kingdom]] to [[Middle Kingdom of Egypt|Middle Kingdom]]
| epochs = [[Old Kingdom of Egypt|Old Kingdom]] to [[Middle Kingdom of Egypt|Middle Kingdom]]
| cultures =
| cultures =
| dependency_of =
| dependency_of =
| occupants =
| occupants =
| event =
| event =
| excavations =
| excavations =
| archaeologists =
| archaeologists =
| condition =
| condition =
| ownership =
| ownership =
| management =
| management =
| public_access =
| public_access =
| website = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->
| website = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->
| notes = {{Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site
| notes = {{Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site
Line 40: Line 40:
| part_of = "[[Pyramid fields from Giza to Dahshur]]" part of ''[[Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur (disambiguation)|Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur]]''
| part_of = "[[Pyramid fields from Giza to Dahshur]]" part of ''[[Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur (disambiguation)|Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur]]''
| includes = {{flatlist|
| includes = {{flatlist|
*[[Bent Pyramid]]
* [[Bent Pyramid]]
*[[Red Pyramid]]
* [[Red Pyramid]]
*[[White Pyramid]]
* [[White Pyramid]]
*[[Pyramid of Senusret&nbsp;III]]
* [[Pyramid of Senusret&nbsp;III]]
*[[Pyramid of Amenemhat III (Dahshur)|Pyramid of Amenemhat&nbsp;III]]
* [[Pyramid of Amenemhat III (Dahshur)|Pyramid of Amenemhat&nbsp;III]]
}}
}}
|criteria = {{UNESCO WHS type|(i), (iii), (vi)}}(i), (iii), (vi)
|criteria = {{UNESCO WHS type|(i), (iii), (vi)}}(i), (iii), (vi)
Line 52: Line 52:
}}
}}
}}
}}

'''Dahshur'''<ref group="transliteration">Also transliterated ''Dahshour''</ref> (in English often called ''Dashur''<span style="margin:2.5px;">;</span> {{lang-ar|دهشور}} ''{{transl|ar|Dahšūr&nbsp;}}'' {{IPA-ar|dɑhˈʃuːɾ|pron}}, {{Lang-cop|ⲧⲁϩϭⲟⲩⲣ}} ''Dahchur''<ref>{{Cite book|title=Das christlich-koptische Agypten in arabischer Zeit (Teil 2 D-F)|last=Timm|first=Stefan|publisher=|year=|isbn=|location=|pages=493–494}}</ref>) is a royal [[necropolis]] located in the [[desert]] on the west bank of the [[Nile]] approximately {{convert|40|km}} south of [[Cairo]]. It is known chiefly for several [[pyramids]], two of which are among the oldest, largest and best preserved in [[Egypt]], built from 2613–2589 BC.
'''Dahshur'''<ref group="transliteration">Also transliterated ''Dahshour''</ref> (in English often called ''Dashur''<span style="margin:2.5px;">;</span> {{langx|ar|دهشور}} ''{{transliteration|ar|Dahšūr&nbsp;}}'' {{IPA|ar|dɑhˈʃuːɾ|pron}}, {{Langx|cop|ⲧⲁϩϭⲟⲩⲣ}} ''Dahchur''<ref>{{Cite book|title=Das christlich-koptische Agypten in arabischer Zeit (Teil 2 D-F)|last=Timm|first=Stefan|pages=493–494}}</ref>) is an [[ancient Egypt]]ian pyramid complex and [[necropolis]] and shares the name of the nearby village of Manshiyyat Dahshur (Arabic: منشأة دهشور) in markaz [[Badrashin]], [[Giza Governorate|Giza]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Markaz al-Badrashin Map |url=http://www.giza.gov.eg/GovMaps/To-map13.aspx |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=www.giza.gov.eg}}</ref>

Dahshur is listed as a UNESCO [[World Heritage Site]], and is located on the [[Western Desert (Egypt)|Western Desert]] plateau at the edge of the cultivated plain, and along with the pyramid complexes at [[Saqqara]], [[Abusir]], and [[Giza pyramid complex|Giza]], to its north, forms the [[Memphite Necropolis|pyramid fields]] of the ancient capital city of [[Memphis, Egypt|Memphis]].<ref name=":12">{{cite web |title=Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/86 |access-date=7 September 2021 |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |publisher=United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization}}</ref> It is known chiefly for several [[pyramids]], mainly [[Sneferu|Senefru]]'s [[Bent Pyramid]] and the [[Red Pyramid]], which are among the oldest, largest and best preserved in [[Egypt]], built from 2613 to 2589 BC.


==Pyramids==
==Pyramids==
[[File:Bent Pyramid (I love Naples).jpg|thumb|left|Sneferu's [[Bent Pyramid]]]]
[[File:Bent Pyramid (I love Naples).jpg|thumb|left|Sneferu's [[Bent Pyramid]]]]


The Dahshur pyramids were an extremely important learning experience for the Egyptians history . It provided them with the knowledge and know-how to transition from step-sided pyramids to smooth-sided pyramids. Ultimately their breadth of experience would allow them to build the Great Pyramid of Giza; the last of the [[Seven Wonders of the Ancient World]] still standing to this date.
The Dahshur pyramids were an extremely important learning experience for the Egyptians. It provided them with the knowledge and know-how to transition from step-sided pyramids to smooth-sided pyramids. Ultimately their breadth of experience would allow them to build the Great Pyramid of Giza; the last of the [[Seven Wonders of the Ancient World]] still standing to this date.


The first of the Dahshur pyramids was the [[Bent Pyramid]] (2613–2589&nbsp;BC), built under the rule of [[Sneferu|King Sneferu]]. The Bent Pyramid was the first attempt at building a smooth sided pyramid, but proved to be an unsuccessful build due to the miscalculations made on the structural weight that was being placed onto the soft ground (sand, gravel, and clay), which had a tendency to subside. Other calculations that were proven to be erroneous were that the blocks being used were cut in such a manner that when placed onto the pyramid their weight was not distributed appropriately, causing the angle of the pyramid to be off and achieving the name "the Bent Pyramid".<ref>{{cite web |title=Great Pyramid of Giza |url=https://www.ancient.eu/Great_Pyramid_of_Giza/ |website=Ancient History Encyclopedia |accessdate=21 November 2017}}</ref>
The first of the Dahshur pyramids was the [[Bent Pyramid]] (2613–2589&nbsp;BC), built under the rule of [[Sneferu|King Sneferu]]. The Bent Pyramid was the first attempt at building a smooth sided pyramid, but proved to be an unsuccessful build due to the miscalculations made on the structural weight that was being placed onto the soft ground (sand, gravel, and clay), which had a tendency to subside. Other calculations that were proven to be erroneous were that the blocks being used were cut in such a manner that when placed onto the pyramid their weight was not distributed appropriately, causing the angle of the pyramid to be off and achieving the name "the Bent Pyramid".<ref>{{cite web |title=Great Pyramid of Giza |url=https://www.worldhistory.org/Great_Pyramid_of_Giza/ |website=[[World History Encyclopedia]] |access-date=21 November 2017}}</ref>


Realizing his shortcomings and learning from his mistakes, King Sneferu ordered the building of the second pyramid of Dahshur, the [[Red Pyramid]]. Once completed, the pyramid was considered to be a success, as it was a fully constructed, smooth sided, and a free standing pyramid rising to a height of 341&nbsp;feet (104&nbsp;meters), with an angle of 43&nbsp;degrees.<ref>{{cite web |title=Red Pyramid |url=https://www.ancient.eu/image/5732/ |website=Ancient History Encyclopedia |accessdate=21 November 2017}}</ref> The Red Pyramid’s name reigns from the material that was used to construct the pyramid, red limestone. And this pyramid is believed to be the resting place of King Sneferu.<ref>{{cite web |title=National Geographic: Egypt – North Pyramid of Snefru, Dahshur |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/pyramids/north.html |website=www.nationalgeographic.com |accessdate=21 November 2017}}</ref>
Realizing his shortcomings and learning from his mistakes, King Sneferu ordered the building of the second pyramid of Dahshur, the [[Red Pyramid]]. Once completed, the pyramid was considered to be a success, as it was a fully constructed, smooth sided, and a free standing pyramid rising to a height of {{convert|341|ft|m|abbr=off|sp=us}}, with an angle of 43&nbsp;degrees.<ref>{{cite web|title=Red Pyramid |url=https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5732/ |website=[[World History Encyclopedia]] |access-date=21 November 2017}}</ref> The Red Pyramid's name derives from the material that was used to construct the pyramid, red limestone. This pyramid is believed to be the resting place of King Sneferu.<ref>{{cite web |title=National Geographic: Egypt – North Pyramid of Snefru, Dahshur |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/pyramids/north.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020917045512/http://www.nationalgeographic.com/pyramids/north.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 17, 2002 |website=www.nationalgeographic.com |access-date=21 November 2017}}</ref>


Shortly after King Sneferu’s death a third pyramid was erected by his son [[Khufu]]. Khufu wanting to build a legacy of his own, utilized his father’s research to design and guide the building process of the third pyramid to completion (2589–2566&nbsp;BC).<ref>{{cite web |title=Giza Timeline – Ancient History Encyclopedia |url=https://www.ancient.eu/timeline/giza/ |website=www.ancient.eu |publisher=Ancient History Encyclopedia |accessdate=21 November 2017}}</ref> Once completed, the pyramid was named the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]], and it stands an astonishing 481&nbsp;feet (147&nbsp;meters) tall with an angle of 52&nbsp;degrees.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Parra |first1=Jose |title=Standing Tall: Egypt’s Great Pyramids |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/archaeology-and-history/magazine/2017/01-02/egypt-great-pyramids-giza-plateau/ |website=National Geographic |publisher=History Magazine |accessdate=21 November 2017 |date=23 January 2017}}</ref>
Shortly after King Sneferu's death a third pyramid was erected by his son [[Khufu]]. Khufu wanting to build a legacy of his own, utilized his father's research to design and guide the building process of the third pyramid to completion (2589–2566&nbsp;BC).<ref>{{cite web |title=Giza Timeline – World History Encyclopedia |url=https://www.worldhistory.org/timeline/giza/ |website=[[World History Encyclopedia]] |access-date=21 November 2017}}</ref> Once completed, the pyramid was named the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]], and it stands an astonishing {{convert|481|ft|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} tall with an angle of 52&nbsp;degrees.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Parra |first1=Jose |title=Standing Tall: Egypt's Great Pyramids |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/archaeology-and-history/magazine/2017/01-02/egypt-great-pyramids-giza-plateau/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126183805/http://www.nationalgeographic.com/archaeology-and-history/magazine/2017/01-02/egypt-great-pyramids-giza-plateau/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 26, 2017 |website=National Geographic |publisher=History Magazine |access-date=21 November 2017 |date=23 January 2017}}</ref>


[[File:Black_Pyramid_of_Amenemhat_III..JPG|thumb|left|The [[Black Pyramid]]]]
[[File:Black_Pyramid_of_Amenemhat_III..JPG|thumb|left|The [[Black Pyramid]]]]
Another pyramid located within Dahshur is that of the 12th Dynasty [[Amenemhat II|King Amenemhat&nbsp;II]] (1929–1895&nbsp;BC). This pyramid has not been preserved as well as the others within the area due to the materials that were used to fill it (sand on the outside and limestone on the inside). Naturally the weather caused the sand to erode from it, but the limestone was taken intentionally for use on other pyramids allowing the pyramid to collapse and ultimately desecrating the tomb of King Amenemhat&nbsp;II.<ref>{{cite web |title=12th- and 13th-Dynasty Pyramids |url=http://www.worldhistory.biz/ancient-history/55779-7-6-12th-and-13th-dynasty-pyramids.html |website=World history |accessdate=21 November 2017}}</ref>
Another pyramid, the [[White Pyramid]], located within Dahshur is that of the 12th Dynasty [[Amenemhat II|King Amenemhat&nbsp;II]] (1929–1895&nbsp;BC). This pyramid has not been preserved as well as the others within the area due to the materials that were used to fill it (sand on the outside and limestone on the inside). Naturally the weather caused the sand to erode from it, but the limestone was taken intentionally for use on other pyramids allowing the pyramid to collapse and ultimately desecrating the tomb of King Amenemhat&nbsp;II.<ref>{{cite web |title=12th- and 13th-Dynasty Pyramids |url=http://www.worldhistory.biz/ancient-history/55779-7-6-12th-and-13th-dynasty-pyramids.html |website=World history |access-date=21 November 2017}}</ref>

⚫
[[Senusret III|King Senusret&nbsp;III]] (1878–1839&nbsp;BC) had his pyramid built within Dahshur. The difference between his pyramid in comparison to those surrounding it was that King Senusret&nbsp;III had tombs and galleries built underneath it for two princesses; [[Sithathor|Sit-Hathor]] and Merit.<ref>{{cite web |title=12th- and 13th-Dynasty Pyramids |url=http://www.worldhistory.biz/ancient-history/55779-7-6-12th-and-13th-dynasty-pyramids.html |website=World history |accessdate=21 November 2017}}</ref>


⚫
[[Senusret III|King Senusret&nbsp;III]] (1878–1839&nbsp;BC) had his pyramid built within Dahshur. The difference between his pyramid in comparison to those surrounding it was that King Senusret&nbsp;III had tombs and galleries built underneath it for two princesses; [[Sithathor|Sit-Hathor]] and Merit.<ref>{{cite web |title=12th- and 13th-Dynasty Pyramids |url=http://www.worldhistory.biz/ancient-history/55779-7-6-12th-and-13th-dynasty-pyramids.html |website=World history |access-date=21 November 2017}}</ref>
⚫
[[Pyramid of Amenemhat III (Dahshur)|The Black Pyramid]] dates from the later reign of Amenemhat&nbsp;III and, although badly eroded, it remains the most imposing monument at the site after the two Sneferu pyramids. The polished granite pyramidion or capstone of the Black Pyramid is on display in the main hall of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.


⚫
[[Pyramid of Amenemhat III (Dahshur)|The Black Pyramid]] dates from the later reign of Amenemhat&nbsp;III and, although badly eroded, it remains the most imposing monument at the site after the two Sneferu pyramids. The [[Pyramidion of Amenemhat III|polished granite pyramidion]] or capstone of the Black Pyramid is on display in the main hall of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
⚫
Several other pyramids of the 13th&nbsp;Dynasty were built at Dahshur. Only the pyramid of Ameny Qemau has been excavated so far by Ahmad Fakhri who was the archaeologist whom excavated this site.
[[File:Francis Frith (English) - The Pyramids of Dahshoor, From the East - Google Art Project.jpg|thumb|The Pyramids of Dahshoor, From the East by [[Francis Frith]] (1857)]]
⚫
Several other pyramids of the 13th&nbsp;Dynasty were built at Dahshur. Only the [[Pyramid of Ameny Qemau]] has been excavated so far by Ahmad Fakhri, the archaeologist who excavated this site.


==Tombs and cemeteries==
==Tombs and cemeteries==
Line 78: Line 81:


==Contemporary history==
==Contemporary history==
In July 2012, Dahshur's entire Christian community, which some estimate to be as many as 120 families, fled to nearby towns due to sectarian violence. The violence began in a dispute over a badly ironed shirt, which in turn escalated into a fight in which a Christian burned a Muslim Arab clan member to death. Furthermore, during clashes another Muslim suffered head injuries and later died due to a gasoline bomb being thrown from a roof top of a building. At least 16 homes and properties of Christians were pillaged, some were torched, and a church was damaged during the violence. This incident was reported internationally.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/la-xpm-2012-sep-07-la-fg-egypt-christians-muslims-20120908-story.html|title=Egypt town's Muslim-Christian unrest speaks to bigger challenges|date=2012-09-07|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=2019-07-14|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035}}</ref>
In July 2012, Dahshur's entire Christian community, which some estimate to be as many as 120 families, fled to nearby towns due to sectarian violence. The violence began in a dispute over a badly ironed shirt, which in turn escalated into a fight in which a Christian burned a Muslim Arab clan member to death. Furthermore, during clashes another Muslim suffered head injuries and later died due to a gasoline bomb being thrown from a rooftop of a building. At least 16 homes and properties of Christians were pillaged, some were torched, and a church was damaged during the violence. This incident was reported internationally.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/la-xpm-2012-sep-07-la-fg-egypt-christians-muslims-20120908-story.html|title=Egypt town's Muslim-Christian unrest speaks to bigger challenges|date=2012-09-07|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=2019-07-14|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035}}</ref>


As of January 2013, and due to the security vacuum that still prevails in Egypt following the [[2011 Egyptian Revolution|2011 uprising]], the site is under threat of desecration and damage due to encroachment by locals of surrounding urban settlements.<ref name="No Longer a Sacred Site">{{cite web | url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/1061/17/No-longer-a-sacred-site.aspx | title=No Longer Sacred | publisher=Al-Ahram Weekly | work=Al-Ahram | date=January 16, 2013 | accessdate=January 18, 2013 | author=El-Aref, Nevine | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118054824/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/1061/17/No-longer-a-sacred-site.aspx | archive-date=January 18, 2013 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
As of January 2013, and due to the security vacuum that still prevails in Egypt following the [[2011 Egyptian Revolution|2011 uprising]], the site is under threat of desecration and damage due to encroachment by locals of surrounding urban settlements.<ref name="No Longer a Sacred Site">{{cite web | url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/1061/17/No-longer-a-sacred-site.aspx | title=No Longer Sacred | publisher=Al-Ahram Weekly | work=Al-Ahram | date=January 16, 2013 | access-date=January 18, 2013 | author=El-Aref, Nevine | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118054824/http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/News/1061/17/No-longer-a-sacred-site.aspx | archive-date=January 18, 2013 | url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Climate==
==Climate==
Line 142: Line 145:
|Dec precipitation mm=4
|Dec precipitation mm=4


|source 1 = ''Climate-Data.org''<ref>{{cite web|title=Climate: Dahshur - Climate graph, Temperature graph, Climate table|url=http://en.climate-data.org/location/227362/|publisher=Climate-Data.org|accessdate=14 August 2013}}</ref>
|source 1 = ''Climate-Data.org''<ref>{{cite web|title=Climate: Dahshur - Climate graph, Temperature graph, Climate table|url=http://en.climate-data.org/location/227362/|publisher=Climate-Data.org|access-date=14 August 2013}}</ref>
}}
}}


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Memphite Necropolis]]
*[[List of ancient Egyptian sites]], including sites of temples
*[[List of Egyptian pyramids]]
* [[List of ancient Egyptian towns and cities]]
*[[List of megalithic sites]]
* [[List of ancient Egyptian sites]], including sites of temples
* [[List of megalithic sites]]
*[[Acanthus (Egypt)]], an old village in Dahsur mentioned in Ancient Greek literature.
* [[Acanthus (Egypt)]], an old village in Dahshur mentioned in Ancient Greek literature.


==Notes==
==Notes==
{{reflist|group="transliteration"}}
{{Reflist|group="transliteration"}}
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|Dahshur}}
{{Commons category|Dahshur}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131218151540/http://www.dainst.org/en/project/dahshur?ft=all Information about Dahshur] on the website of the [[German Archaeological Institute]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131218151540/http://www.dainst.org/en/project/dahshur?ft=all Information about Dahshur] on the website of the [[German Archaeological Institute]]
*
[https://letsexploreegypt.com/Dahshur/Dahshur facts]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071217024457/http://www.photouploads.net/PhotoAlbum.php?photoalbumid=6&StartPhotoID=83 Photos from inside the Bent Pyramid of Dahshur]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071217024457/http://www.photouploads.net/PhotoAlbum.php?photoalbumid=6&StartPhotoID=83 Photos from inside the Bent Pyramid of Dahshur]
* [http://www.guardians.net/egypt/cyberjourney/dahshur/dashur1.htm Dahshur - Pyramid Breeding Ground]
* [http://www.guardians.net/egypt/cyberjourney/dahshur/dashur1.htm Dahshur - Pyramid Breeding Ground]
* [http://egyptphoto.ncf.ca/Dahshur.htm Dahshur]
* [http://egyptphoto.ncf.ca/Dahshur.htm Dahshur]
* [http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/dahshur-pyramids?source=relatedvideo National Geographic Video on the Dahshur Pyramids]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140317215306/http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/dahshur-pyramids?source=relatedvideo National Geographic Video on the Dahshur Pyramids]


{{World Heritage Sites in Egypt}}
{{World Heritage Sites in Egypt}}
{{Ancient Egypt topics}}
{{Ancient Egypt topics}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Dahshur| ]]
[[Category:Dahshur| ]]

Latest revision as of 02:29, 24 October 2024

Dahshur
منشأة دهشور
ⲧⲁϩϭⲟⲩⲣ
Sneferu's Red Pyramid
Dahshur is located in Egypt
Dahshur
Shown within Egypt
LocationGiza Governorate, Egypt
RegionLower Egypt
Coordinates29°48′23″N 31°12′29″E / 29.80639°N 31.20806°E / 29.80639; 31.20806
TypeNecropolis
History
BuilderSneferu
Founded2613–2589 BC
PeriodsOld Kingdom to Middle Kingdom
Site notes
Part of"Pyramid fields from Giza to Dahshur" part of Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur
Includes
CriteriaCultural: (i), (iii), (vi)
Reference86-002
Inscription1979 (3rd Session)
Area16,203.36 ha (62.5615 sq mi)

Dahshur[transliteration 1] (in English often called Dashur; Arabic: دهشور Dahšūr  pronounced [dɑhˈʃuːɾ], Coptic: ⲧⲁϩϭⲟⲩⲣ Dahchur[1]) is an ancient Egyptian pyramid complex and necropolis and shares the name of the nearby village of Manshiyyat Dahshur (Arabic: منشأة دهشور) in markaz Badrashin, Giza.[2]

Dahshur is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is located on the Western Desert plateau at the edge of the cultivated plain, and along with the pyramid complexes at Saqqara, Abusir, and Giza, to its north, forms the pyramid fields of the ancient capital city of Memphis.[3] It is known chiefly for several pyramids, mainly Senefru's Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, which are among the oldest, largest and best preserved in Egypt, built from 2613 to 2589 BC.

Pyramids

[edit]
Sneferu's Bent Pyramid

The Dahshur pyramids were an extremely important learning experience for the Egyptians. It provided them with the knowledge and know-how to transition from step-sided pyramids to smooth-sided pyramids. Ultimately their breadth of experience would allow them to build the Great Pyramid of Giza; the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing to this date.

The first of the Dahshur pyramids was the Bent Pyramid (2613–2589 BC), built under the rule of King Sneferu. The Bent Pyramid was the first attempt at building a smooth sided pyramid, but proved to be an unsuccessful build due to the miscalculations made on the structural weight that was being placed onto the soft ground (sand, gravel, and clay), which had a tendency to subside. Other calculations that were proven to be erroneous were that the blocks being used were cut in such a manner that when placed onto the pyramid their weight was not distributed appropriately, causing the angle of the pyramid to be off and achieving the name "the Bent Pyramid".[4]

Realizing his shortcomings and learning from his mistakes, King Sneferu ordered the building of the second pyramid of Dahshur, the Red Pyramid. Once completed, the pyramid was considered to be a success, as it was a fully constructed, smooth sided, and a free standing pyramid rising to a height of 341 feet (104 meters), with an angle of 43 degrees.[5] The Red Pyramid's name derives from the material that was used to construct the pyramid, red limestone. This pyramid is believed to be the resting place of King Sneferu.[6]

Shortly after King Sneferu's death a third pyramid was erected by his son Khufu. Khufu wanting to build a legacy of his own, utilized his father's research to design and guide the building process of the third pyramid to completion (2589–2566 BC).[7] Once completed, the pyramid was named the Great Pyramid of Giza, and it stands an astonishing 481 feet (147 meters) tall with an angle of 52 degrees.[8]

The Black Pyramid

Another pyramid, the White Pyramid, located within Dahshur is that of the 12th Dynasty King Amenemhat II (1929–1895 BC). This pyramid has not been preserved as well as the others within the area due to the materials that were used to fill it (sand on the outside and limestone on the inside). Naturally the weather caused the sand to erode from it, but the limestone was taken intentionally for use on other pyramids allowing the pyramid to collapse and ultimately desecrating the tomb of King Amenemhat II.[9]

King Senusret III (1878–1839 BC) had his pyramid built within Dahshur. The difference between his pyramid in comparison to those surrounding it was that King Senusret III had tombs and galleries built underneath it for two princesses; Sit-Hathor and Merit.[10]

The Black Pyramid dates from the later reign of Amenemhat III and, although badly eroded, it remains the most imposing monument at the site after the two Sneferu pyramids. The polished granite pyramidion or capstone of the Black Pyramid is on display in the main hall of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

The Pyramids of Dahshoor, From the East by Francis Frith (1857)

Several other pyramids of the 13th Dynasty were built at Dahshur. Only the Pyramid of Ameny Qemau has been excavated so far by Ahmad Fakhri, the archaeologist who excavated this site.

Tombs and cemeteries

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Located closely to the pyramid of the 12th Dynasty several undisturbed tombs of royal women were found, containing a large amount of lapidary and jewelry that have been determined to be of the highest stage of metalworking in Egypt during this time period. The pyramid of Senusret III was part of a huge complex, with several smaller pyramids of royal women, along with another pyramid to the south. In a gallery tomb next to this pyramid were found two treasures of the king's daughters (Sithathor). Extensive cemeteries of officials of the Old Kingdom and Middle Kingdom have been found around Dahshur's pyramids. Dahshur was Egypt's royal necropolis during the reign of the 12th Dynasty king Amenemhat II.

Contemporary history

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In July 2012, Dahshur's entire Christian community, which some estimate to be as many as 120 families, fled to nearby towns due to sectarian violence. The violence began in a dispute over a badly ironed shirt, which in turn escalated into a fight in which a Christian burned a Muslim Arab clan member to death. Furthermore, during clashes another Muslim suffered head injuries and later died due to a gasoline bomb being thrown from a rooftop of a building. At least 16 homes and properties of Christians were pillaged, some were torched, and a church was damaged during the violence. This incident was reported internationally.[11]

As of January 2013, and due to the security vacuum that still prevails in Egypt following the 2011 uprising, the site is under threat of desecration and damage due to encroachment by locals of surrounding urban settlements.[12]

Climate

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Dahshur has a hot desert climate (BWh) according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system.

Climate data for Dahshur
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 19.7
(67.5) 		21.3
(70.3) 		24.7
(76.5) 		29.3
(84.7) 		33.5
(92.3) 		35.6
(96.1) 		36
(97) 		35.6
(96.1) 		33.2
(91.8) 		31
(88) 		26.2
(79.2) 		21.5
(70.7) 		29.0
(84.2)
Daily mean °C (°F) 13.6
(56.5) 		14.6
(58.3) 		17.7
(63.9) 		21.3
(70.3) 		25.3
(77.5) 		27.8
(82.0) 		28.7
(83.7) 		28.6
(83.5) 		26.5
(79.7) 		24.3
(75.7) 		20
(68) 		15.5
(59.9) 		22.0
(71.6)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 7.5
(45.5) 		8
(46) 		10.7
(51.3) 		13.4
(56.1) 		17.2
(63.0) 		20
(68) 		21.4
(70.5) 		21.6
(70.9) 		19.8
(67.6) 		17.7
(63.9) 		13.9
(57.0) 		9.5
(49.1) 		15.1
(59.1)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 3
(0.1) 		2
(0.1) 		2
(0.1) 		1
(0.0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		2
(0.1) 		4
(0.2) 		14
(0.6)
Source: Climate-Data.org[13]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Also transliterated Dahshour
  1. ^ Timm, Stefan. Das christlich-koptische Agypten in arabischer Zeit (Teil 2 D-F). pp. 493–494.
  2. ^ "Markaz al-Badrashin Map". www.giza.gov.eg. Retrieved 2023-01-22.
  3. ^ "Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  4. ^ "Great Pyramid of Giza". World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  5. ^ "Red Pyramid". World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  6. ^ "National Geographic: Egypt – North Pyramid of Snefru, Dahshur". www.nationalgeographic.com. Archived from the original on September 17, 2002. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  7. ^ "Giza Timeline – World History Encyclopedia". World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  8. ^ Parra, Jose (23 January 2017). "Standing Tall: Egypt's Great Pyramids". National Geographic. History Magazine. Archived from the original on January 26, 2017. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  9. ^ "12th- and 13th-Dynasty Pyramids". World history. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  10. ^ "12th- and 13th-Dynasty Pyramids". World history. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  11. ^ "Egypt town's Muslim-Christian unrest speaks to bigger challenges". Los Angeles Times. 2012-09-07. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved 2019-07-14.
  12. ^ El-Aref, Nevine (January 16, 2013). "No Longer Sacred". Al-Ahram. Al-Ahram Weekly. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013. Retrieved January 18, 2013.
  13. ^ "Climate: Dahshur - Climate graph, Temperature graph, Climate table". Climate-Data.org. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
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