Seila Pyramid

Why it mattersOnly provincial pyramid with associated royal altar and decree; links Huni network to Sneferu's Faiyum hydraulic works (Lahun dam); transition to true pyramid ideology.

Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.

Built

c.2630 BCE (Huni) with Sneferu renewal c.2600 BCE

Period

Old Kingdom, 3rd–early 4th Dynasty (~2630–2600 BCE)

Culture

Ancient Egyptian

Builders

Ancient Egyptian (Huni/Sneferu, Seila governor)

Purpose

Fayum frontier marker and Sneferu cult after Meidum/Seila dam project; offering cult for inundation control

Abandoned

c.2580 BCE after Dahshur true pyramids

Rediscovered

1898 Borchardt finds altar; 1987 BYU Fayum survey reopens

Excavation

Partially excavated

1. c.2630 BCE

   Initial three-step construction on ridge

2. c.2600 BCE

   Sneferu adds fourth step and altar with two round-top stelas

3. 1898

   Borchardt uncovers limestone altar inscribed for Sneferu

4. 2010–19

   BYU–Ministry survey documents causeway and pottery

• Seila step core

  pyramid

  Four limestone steps 25 m base, 6.8 m high on ridge

  29.3826° N · 31.0536° E

• Sneferu altar and stela emplacements

  altar

  Limestone offering table with two round-top stela slots, inscribed for Sneferu

  29.3827° N · 31.0539° E

• Eastern causeway

  causeway

  20 m mudbrick-lined causeway running east from altar towards Fayum plain

  29.3824° N · 31.0539° E