Saqqara Unfinished North Pyramid (Lepsius XXIX)
Saqqara Unfinished North Pyramid (Lepsius XXIX) North Annex · Saqqara Site
Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE)·Ancient Egyptian (Old Kingdom)·🇪🇬 Giza, Saqqara North, Egypt
About
About Saqqara Unfinished North Pyramid (Lepsius XXIX)
Saqqara Unfinished North Pyramid (Lepsius XXIX) in Giza, Saqqara North, 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 29.8710N 31.2220E controls access to Giza 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 Giza, Saqqara North, 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
- 1970 survey
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 2600–2500 BCE
Initial construction of Saqqara Unfinished North Pyramid (Lepsius XXIX) main structure
c. 1910
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1970–2015
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Saqqara Unfinished North Pyramid (Lepsius XXIX)) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
29.8710° N · 31.2220° E · 150 m · 4 mapped features
Saqqara Unfinished North Pyramid (Lepsius XXIX) — Main Structure
structurePrincipal pyramid — Base 95 × 95 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
29.8718° N · 31.2229° ESaqqara Unfinished North Pyramid (Lepsius XXIX) — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
29.8700° N · 31.2213° ESaqqara Unfinished North Pyramid (Lepsius XXIX) — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
29.8725° N · 31.2232° ESaqqara Unfinished North Pyramid (Lepsius XXIX) — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
29.8694° N · 31.2209° E