The Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III is an ancient Egyptian pyramid located at Dashur. It is the first pyramid built by Amenemhat III and was originally constructed in a poor state. The Black Pyramid gets its name from the color of the mudbrick core revealed by the missing casing blocks.
The Black Pyramid was the first pyramid built by Amenemhat III and is an important example of early Egyptian architecture. The pyramid is currently in a poor state, but it still holds many secrets about Amenemhat III’s reign.>
1. Introduce the Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III
2. Discuss the history of the Black Pyramid
3. Describe Amenemhat III’s reign
4. Talk about the Black Pyramid’s significance
5. Summarize what is known about the Black Pyramid’s interior
6. Offer your own opinion on the Black Pyramid
Construction of the Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III began during the early years of his reign, around 1860 BC. It was situated at the site of Dashur, south of Cairo. The pyramid was built from black granite, which gave it its name. It was intended to be a funerary monument for Amenemhat and his queen, Deshret. However, the pyramid was never completed, and Amenemhat was eventually buried in a different tomb.
Despite its unfinished state, the Black Pyramid is an impressive structure. It stands nearly 100 feet tall and is surrounded by a complex system of courtyards and chambers. Today, the pyramid is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Egypt.
The Black Pyramid of Dashur was the first pyramid built by Amenemhat III (of the Middle Kingdom of Ancient Egypt) during the early part of his reign. Also known as the Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III, it is believed to have been constructed around 1860-1814 BC.
The pyramid gets its name from the dark limestone that was used for its construction. It is located in the Dashur Necropolis, about 25 miles (40 km) south of Cairo. The Black Pyramid was originally surrounded by a complex of buildings, including a mortuary temple and a palace. However, only the foundations of these structures remain today.
The pyramid itself is in a poor state of preservation, with most of its outer limestone casing having been stripped away. Nevertheless, it remains an impressive monument, and a testimony to the skill of the Ancient Egyptian builders.
‘Queens’ section’
The Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III was one of the most ambitious construction projects undertaken during the Middle Kingdom period in Egypt. The pyramid, located at Dahshur, was intended to serve as a monument to the king’s reign and to his role as the link between the gods and mortal men. However, the pyramid was abandoned after it began to sink into the ground. The builders had hastily installed supporting beams and mud brick walls to stop the sinking, but it was too little, too late, and the pyramid was abandoned.
The ‘King’s section’ of the pyramid contained a burial chamber containing a large sarcophagus that was carved to imitate the outer wall of Djoser’s Pyramid complex at Saqqara, possibly another attempt to reinforce the legitimacy of his rule. Burial chambers for two of his queens were created beneath the pyramid;
The first chamber of the ‘Queens’ section’ under the south-western quadrant of the pyramid was for Queen Aat and The second chamber was for an unnamed queen. Although both chambers had been entered and looted in antiquity, archaeologists found many items overlooked by looters, including jewelery, cosmetics, and pottery. The Black Pyramid provides a unique insight into the methods used by Egyptian architects.