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.

Location of the Pyramids

Zawyet El Aryan is a town in the Giza Governorate. It is located in between Giza and Abusir. There are two pyramids and one necropolis in this area. The pyramids are the Layer Pyramid and the Unfinished Pyramid of Northern Side. The pyramids of this region are important. Because they belonged to the Old Kingdom Period. So, they can be helpful for understanding the initial architectural development of pyramids in ancient Egypt. Thus, it will also help in the understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization from a holistic perspective.

Old Photo of the Zawyet el Aryan

The Layer Pyramid

According to archaeologists, the pharaoh Khaba facilitated the construction of the Layer Pyramid. He belonged to the 3rd Dynasty. This Dynasty ruled ancient Egypt from 2,686 – 2,613 BCE. This pyramid is almost ruined presently.

Layer Pyramid at Zawyet el Aryan

At the beginning of the 20th century, archaeologists started excavating this site. According to the excavators, there were large Mastabas in the surrounding areas of this pyramid. These were for the residential purposes of high officials. Thus, this area was of royal significance in the ancient past.

Sub-structure of the Layer Pyramid
Plan of the Layer Pyramid

The Unfinished Northern Pyramid

This pyramid is located on the north side of the site. It belonged to the mid-4th Dynastic period (2,613 – 2,494 BCE). It has a large shaft part. Thus, archaeologists also call it in other names. These names are ‘Pyramid of Baka’ and ‘Pyramid of Bikheris’.

Work going on at the Northern Pyramid
The Unfinished Northern Pyramid at Zawyet el Aryan
The Design of the Unfinished Pyramid
The Burial Chamber of the Unfinished Pyramid
The Sarcophagus of the Unfinished Pyramid

The Necropolis

There is a necropolis in Zawyet el- Aryan. There is a total of five cemeteries in this necropolis. These cemeteries dated back to the 1st dynasty, 2nd Dynasty, late 3rd dynasty, 18th dynasty, and the Roman period. Apart from pyramids, mastabas have also been located. Thus, this site has great archaeological potential for further research.

Necropolis of Zawyet el Aryan

Current Status

It was the year of 1960. Egyptian government started to use the region of Zawyet el-Aryan as the country’s military base. Later, from 1964, the government had also constricted the pyramids. Thus, it stopped further excavations.

This site has great potential but its use as a military base restricted all kinds of further possibilities of research. Thus, we lost valuable information. The condition of the two main pyramids is very bad presently. All these happened because of military activities in this area.