Who was Amenemhat II?

Amenemhat II was a pharaoh of ancient Egypt. His other name is Amenemmes II. He belonged to the 12th Dynasty. So He ruled from 1876 BCE to 1842 BCE. He was an important ruler. Because he regenerated the trade of ancient Egypt during the Middle Kingdom.

What is the White Pyramid?

Amenemhat II ordered to build the White Pyramid in Dashur. Dashur is a necropolis site. It is located in the desert on the west bank of the Nile. It is located approximately 25 miles south of Cairo.

Why the name is ‘White’ Pyramid?

White limestone was used for the construction of this pyramid. This material shines highly. Thus, archaeologists refer this pyramid as White Pyramid. Although, ancient Egyptians knew this as ‘the mighty pyramid’.

Excavation of the White Pyramid

Jacques de Morgan first investigated this area during the time period between 1894-1895. The problem with the excavation was that it was not properly done. He mainly excavated the royal graves in the surrounding area of the pyramid complex. So, a proper exploration & excavation are yet to be done. Because it will help to understand the pyramid properly.

The poor condition of the pyramid

Presently the pyramid is in very poor condition. Because a number of times it witnessed the robbery. So, it is now closed permanently for public visit.

The pyramid complex

There were different types of structures within the pyramid complex. These were the main pyramid, other tombs & pylon-like structures. There was an entrance to the north. It led to the burial chamber.

The internal structures

The burial chamber was in an east-west orientation. It was located on the vertical axis of the pyramid. A large sarcophagus was there into the floor of the burial chamber. There was a second corridor beneath the entrance corridor. There was a shaft in the floor of the burial chamber. It leads to this second corridor. There was a pit at the end of this second corridor. Most probably the canopic chest of Amenemhet II placed there.

Other tombs in the pyramid complex area

There are other tombs in the pyramid complex area. These tombs belong to relatives of Amenemhat II. They include prince Amenemhetankh, princesses Ita,  Sithathormeret, Khnumet, and Itiueret. These tombs contained different types of grave goods. These were alabaster perfume jars, wooden coffins, and canopic chests. There was also a large quantity of beautiful jewellery of Ita and Khnumet.

The mortuary temple & the valley temple

There was a mortuary temple on the east side of the pyramid. Now it is completely destructed. On the other hand, according to the plan of the pyramid complex, it must have a valley temple. Because there were two large pylon-like structures on the east side. They indicated an entrance towards a causeway. Generally, causeway leads to a valley temple. But archaeologists did not excavate the causeway. So they did not find the valley temple.