The Red Pyramid: Unlocking the Magical Secrets

Discover the mysterious Red Pyramid of Dahshur, a stunning ancient marvel in Egypt. Explore its rich history, magnificent architecture and mysterious aura as you journey through one of the oldest true pyramids in the world.

The Red Pyramid is one of the most priceless tourist attractions in Egypt; It was the first attempt to build a real pyramid, and the second largest base among all ancient pyramids in the history of this glorious civilization.

The pyramids have been the tallest buildings for thousands of centuries. The Giza Pyramids were built more than 5000 years ago and the pyramids prove to the whole world how great, powerful and wise the ancient Egyptians were and had all the features that could make them the best nation on the planet.

Have you ever asked yourself how such a great civilization lacking forklifts, trucks and bulldozers could build such glory? Why would anyone spend most of their life achieving such a civilization? What is inside the pyramids? Do they have tombs, treasures or monuments? We will explain all these ideas in this article so that you are familiar with Egyptian civilization, as our topic today will be one of the most important pyramids of Egypt, “the Red Pyramid.”

History of the Red Pyramid

The Pyramid was built by Pharaoh Sneferu in the era of the Old Kingdom in Egypt (2575-2551 BC), which is known as the third pyramid attributed to him. It was built around 2590 BC. Some believe it was about 17 years while some believe it was a shorter period of 10-11 years based on quarry marks.

The design of the Red Pyramid is believed to have evolved into its current form due to the engineering and architectural challenges faced during the construction of Sneferu’s previous pyramid, the Pyramid of Meidum, which may have been the first attempt at a smooth-sided pyramid that collapsed in antiquity. The second attempt at a curved pyramid saw an important change in inclination from 54 to 43 degrees during construction. The Red Pyramid was built at a safer angle as opposed to a curved pyramid to avoid a catastrophic collapse.

Location and How to Get the Red Pyramid

The Red Pyramid was found in the Dahshur necropolis, which is about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) south of Cairo. It is located approximately a kilometer north of the Bent Pyramid and shares a similarly shallow 43 degree angle in its upper section. This angle gives the Red Pyramid a distinctive squat appearance compared to other Egyptian pyramids of the same size. The site is well signposted and can be easily reached by tourists. To get to the Red Pyramid, everyone can arrange transportation from Cairo by booking with a travel agency who will arrange a driver and tour guide.

Who Built the Red Pyramid?

The Red Pyramid is the tallest pyramid in Dahshur, and they called it “Red” because of the rusty red color of its stone and it appears to be red. The Red Pyramid is one of the three pyramids built by “King Sneferu” after he built the curved pyramid. Sneferu was born to a family in central Egypt at Hermopolis and may have become king by marrying a queen of the royal family. King Sneferu built the Pyramid of Meidum, which is the oldest pyramid attributed to him. It was built in the form of a step pyramid, but they later modified it into a real pyramid.

The second pyramid he built was the pyramid at Dahshur, they called it the “Curved Pyramid”, and it was designed to be a real pyramid from the beginning. Twenty-four years later, King Sneferu was succeeded by his son, King Khufu, who was famous for building the Great Pyramid of Giza. King Senefru had eight sons, they were “Khufu, Ankhhaf, Netjeraperef, Rahotep,  Kanefer, Nefermaat I, Ranefer, and Lynefer I”. He also had five daughters “Hetepheres A, Nerertnesu, Meritites, Nefertkau I, and Henusten”. Historians view the Region of “Senerfu” as a golden age, as there were many places that preserved his name after his death due to his greatness when he ruled Egypt.

Why Was the Red Pyramid Built?

The magnificent red pyramid received the name of the Northern Pyramid and the Illustrious Pyramid to commemorate the great legacy of Sneferu, who was the first pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty. It was created to be his burial place within the Dahshur cemetery. The ancient Egyptians believed in the afterlife, and they believed that the pharaohs would continue to rule in the afterlife. As a result, massive tombs such as the Pyramid were constructed to ensure the pharaoh’s safe passage into the afterlife and to serve as a permanent monument to their rule.

The construction of the Red Pyramid represented a major development in the art of pyramid construction which served as a blueprint for the construction of the pyramids of the famous Giza complex.

What Are the Structures of the Red Pyramid?

Built in 2551-2575, the Pyramid has one of the largest bases of all the pyramids in Egypt with each side being 722 feet long, with the sides of the Red Pyramid slanted at a 43 degree 22’ angle to avoid tilting. Like a curved pyramid. The Red Pyramid is 105 meters high and 220 meters wide, and contains three rooms. There is a corridor (3 feet high and 4 feet wide) that leads to a room (12 meters high) with (11 steps). It is the fourth highest pyramid in Egypt, with 160 layers of stones.

The only entrance to the Pyramid is from the northern side, where it leads to (a 206-foot corridor to the first room). The Red Pyramid remains one of the greatest pyramids that may have a secret room that we have not yet discovered. There is a burial chamber inside the pyramid (23 feet long) and 50 feet high, but it is believed that there were thieves who seized the treasures inside it, therefore. The burial was inside the Red Pyramid (possibly).

Why Was It Called the Red Pyramid?

The Red Pyramid of Sneferu Shines is famous for the red color of its limestone blocks. It was constructed using a type of local reddish-colored limestone, which gives the pyramid its distinctive appearance. It is worth noting that the pyramid was covered with Tora limestone, which was later transported by the rulers of the Fatimid and Mamluk era to create the city of minarets, Cairo.

The Exterior, Interior, and Chambers of the Red Pyramid

The Pyramid is 105 meters high and 220 meters wide, and is a prominent ancient structure. A rare pyramidal ion has been found but its use is still uncertain due to its varying angle of inclination. It features visitor ventilation systems for anyone who wants to get inside, and visitors climb stone steps to reach the entrance on the north side.

The Pyramid Is the fourth tallest pyramid in Egypt, contains approximately 160 stone layers and represents the first successful construction of a smooth-sided pyramid. This iconic structure represents Egypt’s transformation into Giza-style pyramids, and is famous for being the country’s first true encased pyramid.

Tora limestone was used to build the pyramid but most of it was removed over time. Inside is a corridor that slopes at a 27-degree angle, leading to a room with a 40-foot-high arched ceiling. A second chamber below the top has a similar layout. The third room, reached by a wooden staircase, has a 50-foot ceiling but a rough floor, likely due to ancient attempts by thieves to search for treasure. The room’s directions and features indicate that it may have been the pyramid’s burial chamber.

Red Pyramid Gods and  Spells

The Pyramid Texts, which are a collection of ancient Egyptian religious texts consisting of incantations, prayers, and rituals to guide the contracts through their journey to the afterlife to ensure their resurrection, were inscribed on the walls of the burial chamber and the corridors of the Red Pyramid. They enlisted the help of several ancient Egyptian gods, namely Osiris, Anubis, and Atum, to protect and guide the pharaoh’s soul into the afterlife where he would eventually join the gods and the reed field.

 

What Are the Facts About the Red Pyramid?

• There are facts about the Red Pyramid that we cannot doubt. Here are some facts that all Egyptologists agree on:
• The Red Pyramid is located on the west bank of the Nile River, and this place (Dahshur) contains some important and ancient pyramids in Egypt.
• it is also called the “Northern Pyramid” and the “Bat Pyramid”.
• The Pyramid was built by King Sneferu.
• The Pyramid consists of more than 150 stone layers.
• The Pyramid is the third largest pyramid in Egypt, with a height of 105 meters.
• The pyramid is not always red, as it was built entirely of limestone.
• The Red Pyramid was an attempt to build a real pyramid, just as they had tried to build pyramids before, but these attempts failed.
• There is no accurate information about how long they built the Red Pyramids, as some Egyptologists believe they took 17 years to build, while others believe they built them between 10 years and 7 months.
• The entrance to the Red Pyramids is from the northern side.
• There are three rooms inside the Red Pyramid.
• The main chamber of the Pyramid contains two million tons of stones.
• The Red Pyramid is larger than the Pyramid of Menkaure.
• These facts are absolute facts that no one can doubt.

Can I Visit the Red Pyramids?

The Red Pyramid was closed for many years, but now it is open to all tourists, in addition, intervention ventilation has been installed to deliver air to people in the inner chambers. It is safe to visit the Red Pyramid individually, with families, or even in large groups. You can visit the Red Pyramid daily from 08:00 am to 04:00 pm. In winter, from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm. During the summer.

Tours at the Red Pyramid

Most travelers request an additional tour of the Red Pyramid in addition to their tour of the Giza Pyramids due to its importance as it is the third largest pyramid in Egypt, and the first attempt to build the pyramid:

• Individually

You can arrange your tour of the Red Pyramid yourself. If you are in Egypt, design your own tour and rent a car with GPS and go directly via Google Maps, but make sure you go on time, as it is open from 08:00 AM until 04:00 PM. Daily. We highly recommend going with a travel agency to avoid hassles, as they will provide you with a car, and also with an Egyptologist to help you learn more about the history of your language.

• In A Full Package

If you are not in Egypt and want to be part of this amazing experience, do not hesitate to book with a reliable travel agency for your private tour. You can add it to the daily tour of the pyramids as it is not included as it is not in the same location as the three pyramids, and as a wise advice, we recommend visiting some other tourist attractions such as Aswan, the city of Luxor as it contains two-thirds of the world’s monuments, and the city of Hurghada as this city has one of the most beautiful beaches. In the world.

Conclusion: Why You Should Explore the Red Pyramid and Experience It’s Wonders for Yourself 

When all the facts are considered, the pyramids of Egypt are a disgusting article to write about, they have generated many controversies over the years up to the moment we are in and will continue to be in the years to come, as the ancient Egyptians did not give up all their immortality. Secrets even more than five thousand years after their deaths. These stone buildings will be one of the most talked about topics by scholars in the future.

The Red Pyramid: FAQS

What is the Red Pyramid in Egypt?

The Red Pyramid, also known as the North Pyramid, is the largest of the three pyramids located at the Dahshur necropolis in Egypt. It was built during the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu, the founder of the 4th Dynasty (c. 2613-2589 BCE), and is considered the first successful attempt at constructing a true smooth-sided pyramid.

Why is it called the Red Pyramid?

The pyramid gets its name from the reddish hue of the limestone blocks used in its construction. While the outer casing stones were originally white Tura limestone, much of the outer layer has eroded or been removed, revealing the red limestone beneath.

Who built the Red Pyramid?

The Red Pyramid was commissioned by Pharaoh Sneferu, who was also responsible for building the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur. The Red Pyramid was his final and most successful pyramid construction project after earlier attempts.

What is the significance of the Red Pyramid?

The Red Pyramid is historically significant because it represents a major evolution in ancient Egyptian pyramid construction. It is considered the first successful “true” pyramid, meaning it has smooth, sloping sides rather than the step-like design of earlier pyramids.

How big is the Red Pyramid?

The Red Pyramid is approximately 105 meters (345 feet) tall, with each side of its base measuring about 220 meters (722 feet). It is the third-largest pyramid in Egypt, after the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Pyramid of Khafre.

Can visitors enter the Pyramid?

Yes, visitors can enter the Red Pyramid. The entrance is located on the northern side, and visitors can descend through a long, narrow tunnel leading to the burial chambers inside. Unlike many other pyramids, the interior of the Red Pyramid is relatively well-preserved, and entry is often less crowded compared to the pyramids at Giza.

What is inside the Red Pyramid?

Inside the Red Pyramid, visitors can explore three chambers: two smaller antechambers and a larger main burial chamber. The chambers feature corbel-vaulted ceilings, which were an innovative architectural technique at the time. However, no inscriptions or significant artifacts have been found within the pyramid.

What is the connection between the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid?

Both the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid were built by Pharaoh Sneferu. The Bent Pyramid, located nearby at Dahshur, has a distinct shape due to a change in the angle of its sides partway up. The Red Pyramid, built afterward, represents Sneferu’s successful correction of this design flaw, resulting in a true pyramid shape.

Is the Red Pyramid older than the Great Pyramid of Giza?

Yes, the Red Pyramid is older than the Great Pyramid of Giza. Pharaoh Sneferu, who built the Red Pyramid, reigned before his son, Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops), who commissioned the Great Pyramid at Giza.

Why is the Pyramid less famous than the pyramids at Giza?

The Red Pyramid is less famous primarily because it is located outside of the more tourist-heavy Giza Plateau and is not as visually imposing as the Great Pyramid. Additionally, it does not have the same level of cultural and historical associations as the Giza pyramids, such as the Sphinx or the tombs of famous pharaohs. However, it is highly regarded by archaeologists and those interested in the evolution of pyramid construction.

How can visitors get to the Red Pyramid?

The Red Pyramid is located in Dahshur, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Cairo. Visitors typically travel by car or tour bus from Cairo to reach the site. Dahshur is less crowded than the Giza Plateau, making it a great option for those looking for a quieter, more immersive experience of ancient Egyptian architecture.

Is the Pyramid well-preserved?

The Red Pyramid is relatively well-preserved, especially its interior chambers, which are accessible to visitors. However, much of the outer casing of white limestone has eroded or been removed over time. Despite this, the pyramid still stands in good condition compared to other ancient monuments.

Are there any myths or legends associated with the Red Pyramid?

Unlike the pyramids at Giza, the Red Pyramid does not have many myths or legends associated with it. However, it holds a unique place in the history of pyramid construction as a key milestone in ancient Egypt’s architectural advancements.

What is the architectural significance of the Red Pyramid?

The Red Pyramid is architecturally significant as it marked a successful transition from the step pyramid design to the true pyramid form, which became the standard for subsequent pyramids in Egypt. Its smooth-sided shape was a major improvement over earlier pyramid designs, such as the Bent Pyramid.