Zawiyet el-Aryan — Unfinished Pyramid Pit North (Layer Pyramid)
زاوية العريان · Aryan Pit N
Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE)·Old–New Kingdom Egyptian·🇪🇬 Giza, Zawiyet el-Aryan, Egypt
About
About Zawiyet el-Aryan — Unfinished Pyramid Pit North (Layer Pyramid)
Zawiyet el-Aryan — Unfinished Pyramid Pit North (Layer Pyramid) in Giza, Zawiyet el-Aryan, Egypt is a Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE) pyramid attributed to Old–New Kingdom Egyptian. Systematic survey and LiDAR document architectural phasing. The site includes a principal necropolis and ancillary settlement. Dimensions base 22.5 m × 22.5 m; height 12 m; inclination 52°; area 8.1 ha. Excavation partially-excavated; condition preserved. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Old–New Kingdom Egyptian pyramid with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 60 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing
- 02Construction technique
Theories
- 01Territorial marker
- 02Elite residence hypothesis
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 BCE
- Period
- Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE)
- Culture
- Old–New Kingdom Egyptian
- Purpose
- Funerary monument and ritual complex
- Rediscovered
- 1881
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 2600 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 1025 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1960
Antiquarian record, modern excavation from 1960s
c. 1562 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
29.9300° N · 31.1500° E · 60 m · 3 mapped features
Main Pyramid Core
pyramidMain Pyramid Core at Zawiyet el-Aryan — Unfinished Pyramid Pit North (Layer Pyramid) — pyramid with stratified deposits
29.9290° N · 31.1494° EMortuary Chapel
chapelMortuary Chapel at Zawiyet el-Aryan — Unfinished Pyramid Pit North (Layer Pyramid) — chapel with stratified deposits
29.9289° N · 31.1492° ECauseway Segment
causewayCauseway Segment at Zawiyet el-Aryan — Unfinished Pyramid Pit North (Layer Pyramid) — causeway with stratified deposits
29.9304° N · 31.1499° E