Bent Pyramid
Bent Pyramid of Snefru in Dashur.
It is unique in having two internal structures, with entrances on the north and west sides. From the north side a long, sloping passage leads to a narrow antechamber with an impressive corbelled roof. The burial chamber, also corbelled, is above this antechamber.
The second passage runs from the west side of the pyramid, through portcullis blocking systems, to another burial chamber, again with corbelled roof. This is at a higher level than the first. Structural instability is evident as the chamber was completely shored up with balks and scaffolding of great cedar beams.
Some time after both chambers were constructed, a connecting passage was made between them.
(text from The Complete Pyramids by Mark Lehner)
4th dynasty, Dashur
Bent Pyramid
Bent Pyramid of Snefru in Dashur.
It is unique in having two internal structures, with entrances on the north and west sides. From the north side a long, sloping passage leads to a narrow antechamber with an impressive corbelled roof. The burial chamber, also corbelled, is above this antechamber.
The second passage runs from the west side of the pyramid, through portcullis blocking systems, to another burial chamber, again with corbelled roof. This is at a higher level than the first. Structural instability is evident as the chamber was completely shored up with balks and scaffolding of great cedar beams.
Some time after both chambers were constructed, a connecting passage was made between them.
(text from The Complete Pyramids by Mark Lehner)
4th dynasty, Dashur