The Pyramid of Unas


Original name: Perfect are the sites of Unas
Original height: 43 m / 143 ft
Base length: 57.5 m / 192 ft
Angle of inclination: 56¡ 18' 35"
Date of construction: 5th dynasty

Like all pyramids of the 5th dynasty, this one has dilapidated as well. Excavating teams have recently discovered a shaft which is probably the tomb of one of the later Persian invaders. West of the pyramid lies a grave that could probably hold the dead bodies of two second-dynasty pharaohs, namely Hor Hetepsechemui and Hor Raneb.

The walls of the causeway that connects the mortuary temple and the valley temple hold relief carvings which show scenes such as the transport of granite stones from Aswan, the making of pottery and the production of 'Electron,' the famous alloy of gold and silver.

It is the first pyramid which contained Pyramid Texts.

The walls of the burial chamber are covered with hieroglyphs. They are magic formulas that are supposed to help the king's soul defeat enemies and difficulties on his way to the hereafter.













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