El-Kula Small Step Pyramid Hierakonpolis North
Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE)·Ancient Egyptian (Old Kingdom)·🇪🇬 Luxor, El Kula, Egypt
About
About El-Kula Small Step Pyramid Hierakonpolis North
El-Kula Small Step Pyramid Hierakonpolis North in Luxor, El Kula, Egypt is a Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) pyramid attributed to Ancient Egyptian (Old Kingdom). Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal base 95 × 95 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 25.1330N 32.7330E controls access to Luxor resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey pyramid for Luxor, El Kula, illustrating Ancient Egyptian (Old Kingdom) construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Construction logistics and labour organisation
- 02Astronomical orientation method
Theories
- 01Royal tomb with cult temple axis
- 02Experimental step before true pyramid
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 2600–2500 BCE
- Period
- Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE)
- Culture
- Ancient Egyptian (Old Kingdom)
- Purpose
- Royal tomb and ceremonial platform embodying cosmology
- Rediscovered
- 1965 survey
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 2600–2500 BCE
Initial construction of El-Kula Small Step Pyramid Hierakonpolis North main structure
c. 1905
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1965–2010
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at El-Kula Small Step Pyramid Hierakonpolis North) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
25.1330° N · 32.7330° E · 115 m · 3 mapped features
El-Kula Small Step Pyramid Hierakonpolis North — Main Structure
structurePrincipal pyramid — Base 95 × 95 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
25.1338° N · 32.7339° EEl-Kula Small Step Pyramid Hierakonpolis North — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
25.1320° N · 32.7323° EEl-Kula Small Step Pyramid Hierakonpolis North — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
25.1345° N · 32.7342° E