Pyramid of Djedkare-Isesi

The Pyramid of Egyptian pharaoh Djedkare-Isesi was build at South Saqqara in the fifth dynasty. The translation of its ancient egyptian name is "Beautiful is Djedkare". [ [http://egyptphoto.ncf.ca/pyramid%20of%20djedkare-isesi.htm "The Pyramid Complex of Djedkare-Isesi".] ] The pyramid was the first one to be built south of the main Saquara necropolis. Today the pyramid is referred to as 'The Sentinel' (el-Shawaf) by the locals. [http://www.egyptsites.co.uk/lower/saqqara/pyramids/djedkare.html " Pyramid & Mortuary Complex of Djedkare-Isesi".] ]

Construction

The core of the pyramid was composed of six steps of irregularly shaped limestone blocks. Its original height was around 52 m. The angle of inclination was 52° and it has a base length of 78.75 m.Lehner, Mark. (1997). "The Complete Pyramids." (London:Thames and Hudson Ltd.) ISBN 0-500-05084-8. pg. 53.]

Despite extensive counter measures which included three huge portcullises slabs plunders were still able to penetrate to the burial chamber.

Modern excavation

The pyramid was first explored in 1880 by Gaston Maspero. In the 1940s the pyramid was excavated by Abdel Salam Hussein (his work on the site was never published).

Upon entrance of the burial chamber a smashed dark grey basalt sarcophagus was discovered, a mummy estimated to belong to a fifty year old man was found amongst the debris. This discovery indicated that Djedkare-Isesi must have been very young when he ascended the throne given his 32+ year reign.

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