Pyramid of Khentkaus I
Step Tomb of Khentkaus · Fourth Dynasty Step Tomb
Old Kingdom, late 4th Dynasty·Ancient Egyptian·🇪🇬 Giza Governorate, Giza Plateau, Egypt
About
About Pyramid of Khentkaus I
Unique two-step flat-topped tomb of Queen Mother Khentkaus I (late 4th Dynasty, c. 2494–2490 BCE) on Giza cliff separating Khufu-Khafre causeways. Often classified as step pyramid/tomb hybrid: 45.8 × 45.5 m rock-cut square podium capped with large mastaba-like superstructure, 18.5 m high, cased in Tura limestone. Includes subterranean granite-lined chamber, water basin, settlement and pyramid town. Selim Hassan excavated 1932–33. Her title 'Mother of Two Kings' debates 4th–5th Dynasty transition.
Why it mattersOnly queen mother with pyramid-like tomb at Giza; inscription 'Mother of Two Kings of Upper and Lower Egypt' underpins dynastic transition debate.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Did Khentkaus rule as pharaoh?
- 02Identity of her two king sons (Sahure and Neferirkare?)
Theories
- 01Legitimation monument bridging 4th to 5th Dynasty
- 02Female pharaoh hypothesis via her titles and iconography
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. 2494–2490 BCE (Khentkaus I)
- Period
- Old Kingdom, late 4th Dynasty
- Culture
- Ancient Egyptian
- Purpose
- Queen Mother's tomb and mortuary cult centre
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 2494–2490 BCE (Khentkaus I)
Initial construction
c. 1231 CE
Major expansion
On the ground
Structures & features
29.9733° N · 31.1354° E · 70 m · 3 mapped features
Upper step-tomb
pyramidLimestone step superstructure with chapel
29.9734° N · 31.1354° EUnderground burial chamber
chamberGranite-lined chamber cut into rock
29.9733° N · 31.1353° EPyramid town settlement
settlementWorkers/ priests settlement southeast
29.9728° N · 31.1358° E
Gallery