Pyramid of Pepi II
Pyramid of Neferkare Pepi II · Men-ankh-Neferkare
Old Kingdom, late 6th Dynasty·Ancient Egyptian·🇪🇬 Giza Governorate, South Saqqara, Egypt
About
About Pyramid of Pepi II
Last great pyramid of the Old Kingdom for the longest-reigning pharaoh (traditionally 94 years, modern 64+): 78.75 m base, 52.5 m high, tallest South Saqqara pyramid with extensive Pyramid Texts, three queen pyramids and vast funerary complex with enclosure wall and Ka chapel. Marks end of pyramid age before First Intermediate collapse.
Why it mattersTerminal Old Kingdom pyramid; demonstrates exhaustion of resources and administrative strain.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Extreme reign length and succession crisis
Theories
- 01Pepi II's longevity exhausted Old Kingdom fiscal system triggering collapse
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. 2278–2184 BCE (Pepi II)
- Period
- Old Kingdom, late 6th Dynasty
- Culture
- Ancient Egyptian
- Purpose
- Tomb of Pepi II Neferkare
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 2278–2184 BCE (Pepi II)
Initial construction
c. 1403 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
29.8406° N · 31.2139° E · 55 m · 3 mapped features
Burial chamber vault with texts
chamberStar-ceiling with Pyramid Texts
29.8406° N · 31.2139° EQueen Pyramid Wedjebten
subsidiary pyramidSouthern queen subsidiary
29.8400° N · 31.2145° EMortuary Temple
templePillared hall
29.8403° N · 31.2140° E
Gallery