Satellite Pyramid of Unas
Cult Pyramid of Unas · Unas Subsidiary Pyramid
Old Kingdom, 5th Dynasty·Ancient Egyptian·🇪🇬 Memphis Necropolis, Saqqara South, Egypt
About
About Satellite Pyramid of Unas
Small subsidiary or cult pyramid located 20 m south-west of Unas pyramid corner within same enclosure, built for the ka of the king as per 5th–6th Dynasty tradition after Djedkare. Excavated by Barsanti (1890s) and later Firth, the pyramid contained a narrow T-shaped substructure without burial, confirming ritual function. Its placement respects Unas causeway and is aligned with pyramid corners. The pyramid is often omitted from tourist maps but within UNESCO core.
Why it mattersEarly example of cult pyramid standardizing after Unas Texts pyramid; helps understand enclosure ritual landscape.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why no burial deposit
Theories
- 01Deposit was symbolic food offering for royal ka
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. 2375–2345 BCE
- Period
- Old Kingdom, 5th Dynasty
- Culture
- Ancient Egyptian
- Purpose
- Cult/satellite pyramid south-west of Unas pyramid for ka cult
- Excavation
- Excavated
1899
Alessandro Barsanti records satellite
1929
Firth photographs cult pyramid
On the ground
Structures & features
29.8682° N · 31.2149° E · 60 m · 2 mapped features
Cult pyramid core
pyramidSmall stepped core with fine limestone remains
29.8682° N · 31.2150° ET-shaped substructure
chamberNarrow corridors without sarcophagus, ritual deposit
29.8681° N · 31.2148° E
Gallery