Satellite (Cult) Pyramid of Pepi II
Old Kingdom, 6th Dynasty, Pepi II Neferkare, c.2278–2184 BCE·Ancient Egyptian·🇪🇬 South Saqqara, Memphis Necropolis, Egypt
About
About Satellite (Cult) Pyramid of Pepi II
Cult pyramid southeast of Pepi II pyramid (c.2278 BCE, 6th Dynasty) — last great Old Kingdom pyramid complex. 15.7 m base cult pyramid documented by Jéquier (1927-32) and Leclant. Intact limestone casing patch; subterranean limestone-paved chamber.
Why it mattersLongest-lived king's cult apparatus; closes Old Kingdom pyramid morphology.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why Pepi II cult retains Old Kingdom form amid First Intermediate Period crisis
Theories
- 01Conservatism — ka cult as legitimacy
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 BCE, early Pepi II
- Period
- Old Kingdom, 6th Dynasty, Pepi II Neferkare, c.2278–2184 BCE
- Culture
- Ancient Egyptian
- Builders
- Ancient Egyptian (Pepi II)
- Purpose
- Ka pyramid — final iteration of Old Kingdom cult pyramid tradition
- Excavation
- Excavated
c.2278 BCE, early Pepi II
Initial construction / foundation
c.1200 BCE
Major refurbishment / enlargement phase
c.220 CE
Abandonment or conversion
1890–1930
Modern rediscovery and first scientific survey
On the ground
Structures & features
29.8397° N · 31.2165° E · 53 m · 2 mapped features
Cult pyramid chamber
chamberGabled chamber under pyramid, paved in limestone
29.8398° N · 31.2164° ESouth enclosure patio
courtyardPaved patio between main and cult pyramids
29.8396° N · 31.2167° E