Seila Small Step Pyramid Eastern Face
Seila Small Step Pyramid Eastern Face North Annex · Seila Site
Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE)·Ancient Egyptian (Old Kingdom)·🇪🇬 Fayoum, Seila, Egypt
About
About Seila Small Step Pyramid Eastern Face
Seila Small Step Pyramid Eastern Face in Fayoum, Seila, 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 29.3800N 31.0530E controls access to Fayoum 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 Fayoum, Seila, 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
- 1962 survey
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 2600–2500 BCE
Initial construction of Seila Small Step Pyramid Eastern Face main structure
c. 1902
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1962–2007
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Seila Small Step Pyramid Eastern Face) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
29.3800° N · 31.0530° E · 94 m · 4 mapped features
Seila Small Step Pyramid Eastern Face — Main Structure
structurePrincipal pyramid — Base 95 × 95 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
29.3808° N · 31.0539° ESeila Small Step Pyramid Eastern Face — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
29.3790° N · 31.0523° ESeila Small Step Pyramid Eastern Face — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
29.3815° N · 31.0542° ESeila Small Step Pyramid Eastern Face — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
29.3784° N · 31.0519° E