Introduction

Egypt has been known as a country pyramids. Generally, Pyramids refer to the huge triangle monuments specifically associated with funerary practices of ancient people. But, some experts describe their astronomical values as well. In Latin America also, pyramids can be seen. In Egypt, pyramids are numerous in number.

The Pharaoh Merikare

Merikare was an Egyptian pharaoh. He belonged to the 10th Dynasty. The time period of this Dynasty was between 2075 – 2040 BCE. It was the timing of the First Intermediate Period.

The Discovery

The Pyramid of Merikare bears some special significance. Because it has not been identified. But there is enough evidence that this pyramid was present in Egypt. Let’s try to understand them one by one.

There is a pyramid in north Saqqara. It is known as Headless Pyramid. Many scholars have identified it with the pyramid of Merikare. But, some have identified with the pyramid of Menkauhor. He was the seventh ruler of the 5th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom Period.

Epigraphic Evidence of Existence

There are several epigraphic evidence of the existence of the pyramid of Merikare. These are a total of nine inscriptions. All of them mention this pyramid. Archaeologists have found eight inscriptions from Saqqara. The ninth one has no identified origin.

The ancient name of this pyramid in the inscription is ‘Wadj Sut Merikare’. There are several translations of this label. These are ‘Flourishing are the Adobes of Merikare’, ‘The Fresh Places of Merikare’, etc.

These inscriptions are very important. Because they are directly related to the 10th and 12th Dynasty. Tombs of several priests of this period have unearthed the inscriptional evidence. So, there is no doubt regarding the existence of this pyramid.

Headless Pyramid and Interpretations

It was the time period of the second half of the twentieth century. Archaeologists have identified a pyramid in the North Saqqara. Its name was the ‘Headless Pyramid’. Many thought that it was the pyramid of Merikare.

It was the year of 1979. Well-known scholar Jocelyn Berlandini rejected this view. But, later in the year of 1994, Jaromir Malek showed some evidence to prove this view. According to him, no burials dating to the Fifth Dynasty can be seen in the immediate vicinity of the Headless Pyramid. He wrote a paper supporting this evidence.

Significance

The Pyramid of Merikare is still undiscovered. But it doesn’t stop archaeologists from its searching. Because it is the only pyramid of a pharaoh of the Herakleopolitan dynasties.

These are the 9th and 10th Dynasties. Thus, this pyramid is of great significance for studying the mortuary practices of these periods. So, the searching for this pyramid is still on.

Recent Work

It was the year of 2008. Zahi Hawass was in-charge in the continuing excavations in the vicinity of Headless Pyramid. He gathered some evidence that supported the view of Berlandini.

Thus, until now, on the basis of evidence, the pyramid Menkauhor is an independent pyramid. On the other hand, the pyramid of Merikare is also an independent one. Thus, future research work may find its exact location in the sands of Egypt.