Talking Pyramids: Ancient Egyptian Pyramids

Here is a video on the pyramid of Djedefre at Abu Roash that uses computer generated imagery to show what the pyramid might have once looked like.

The accompanying story is in Italian: Il mistero della quarta piramide “La più bella, alta e preziosa” and Archaeologist, Andie, who runs the best Egyptology blog on the planet for the latest news in Egyptology, has provided an English translation:

“In summary (not word for word translation) it says that although the Giza pyramids are the best known, the pyramid of Djedefre was far more impressive in terms of its majesty, beauty, wealth and dimensions even though it was located away from Giza. It is now located in a military zone to which there is severely restricted access. it is in very ruinous condition today, and there is very little to see. Some archaeologists, and in particular Zahi Hawass of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, suggest that the pyramid had been completed, that it was actually the tallest of all of the pyramids and made out of more valuable materials, but that during the Roman period the pyramid was dismantled for building material. The excavations have been taking place for twelve years and have given rise to new interpretations of the mysteries concering Djedefra and why he chose to build his pyramid at Abu Roach rather than on the Giza plateau with its predecessor, but was instead in a more secluded and elevated place. One view which was held for many years was that the Pharaoh had suffered some misfortune or disagreement with his family, but today Hawass thinks that his choice of location was designed to emphasize his independence and that the higher location was chosen in order to be closer to the sun itself, which the Pharaohs worshipped.”

Thanks Andie.

Tags: abu roash, djedefre, technology