The Forgotten Pyramid of Egypt: The Ruined ‘Layer Pyramid’ of Zawyet el Aryan

Nestled within the necropolis of Zawyet el Aryan, the Layer Pyramid is a testament to the grandeur and mystery of ancient Egyptian architecture. Despite its proximity to iconic sites like Giza and Saqqara, this pyramid remains largely forgotten, shrouded in mystery due to its poor state of preservation and the lack of extensive archaeological work. This article delves into the enigmatic history and structure of the Layer Pyramid, shedding light on its significance in Egypt’s Third Dynasty.

Origins of the Layer Pyramid

The Layer Pyramid dates back to the Third Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, a period renowned for significant advancements in pyramid construction. Believed to have been built during the reign of a pharaoh with the Horus name Khaba, the pyramid is thought to post-date the Pyramid of Sekhemket but precede the Great Pyramids of Giza. The attribution to Khaba stems from the discovery of eight marble bowls bearing his serekh near Mastaba Z500, which some Egyptologists speculate could have been part of the pyramid’s mortuary temple.

However, conflicting theories exist. Some scholars suggest that Khaba and Huni, the final ruler of the Third Dynasty, may have been the same person. Others propose that the pyramid was built for a lesser-known king, such as Teti or Hudjefa II. The absence of inscriptions, artifacts, or a burial chamber within the pyramid further complicates efforts to definitively identify its builder.

The Structure and Design

The Layer Pyramid, situated approximately 5.5 kilometers southeast of Giza and 9 kilometers northwest of Saqqara, was originally planned as a step pyramid. Its square base measures around 84 meters on each side, making it smaller than the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser. Egyptologist Jean-Philippe Lauer estimated that the pyramid would have had five steps and reached a height of 42 to 45 meters. Today, only two steps remain, reducing its height to 17 meters.

The pyramid’s core was constructed using rough, poor-quality limestone blocks excavated from the local bedrock. These blocks were laid in layers, angled at 68 degrees, and reinforced with additional layers of stone. Reisner’s excavations revealed 14 such layers, though it is unclear whether the structure was ever completed. The absence of finishing stones and the presence of mudbrick remnants, likely from construction ramps, suggest that the project may have been abandoned following the premature death of its intended occupant.

The Subterranean Complex

The true intrigue of the Layer Pyramid lies beneath its surface. The entrance, unusually located on the east side rather than the north, leads to a subterranean complex reminiscent of the Pyramid of Sekhemket. A 36-meter-long steep staircase descends to a corridor that ends at a vertical shaft. This shaft connects to a T-shaped intersection, where one path leads to a U-shaped gallery with 32 small chambers believed to have been intended for grave goods. The gallery spans 120 meters and is notable for its clean, empty state, as if left untouched since the workers’ departure.

The other path from the intersection leads to the presumed burial chamber, situated 26 meters below ground. Measuring 3.63 by 2.65 meters with a height of 3 meters, the chamber was found bare, with no traces of a sarcophagus or funerary artifacts. Barsanti’s excavations hinted at the possibility of an unfinished upper passage leading to another burial chamber, but this remains unverified due to conflicting data from different archaeological surveys.

The Challenges of Exploration

Since its initial examination by John Shae Perring in 1839, the Layer Pyramid has been subjected to sporadic and incomplete investigations. Subsequent studies by Karl Richard Lepsius, Gaston Maspero, Jacques de Morgan, Alessandro Barsanti, and George Reisner have yielded conflicting measurements and interpretations. For instance, Barsanti’s diagrams differ significantly from Reisner’s, creating uncertainty about the pyramid’s true dimensions and the extent of its substructure.

Further complicating matters is the pyramid’s location within a restricted military zone, which has limited access for modern archaeologists. The lack of comprehensive exploration has left many questions unanswered, including the pyramid’s original purpose, its construction timeline, and the identity of its builder.

Significance and Legacy

Despite its neglected state, the Layer Pyramid holds immense historical significance. As one of the earliest step pyramids, it represents a critical phase in the evolution of pyramid construction. Its similarities to the pyramids of Djoser and Sekhemket suggest that it played a role in the development of architectural techniques later perfected in the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Moreover, the pyramid’s association with Khaba and the Third Dynasty provides valuable insights into a period of Egyptian history that remains relatively obscure. The surrounding necropolis, with its large mastabas, further underscores the site’s importance as a hub of royal and elite burials.

Conclusion

The Layer Pyramid of Zawyet el Aryan is a forgotten gem of ancient Egypt, overshadowed by its more famous counterparts at Giza and Saqqara. Its ruined state and the scarcity of archaeological data have made it a subject of speculation and debate, but it remains a vital link in understanding the architectural and cultural advancements of the Third Dynasty. Renewed efforts to explore and document this enigmatic pyramid could uncover new secrets, shedding light on a chapter of history that has long been overlooked.