The Imperfect Pyramid That Changed the History of Egypt

From afar, it already seems like something is not right... One expects the classic shape of a pyramid, with its smooth and perfect faces like those seen in the Valley of Giza, and not that other silhouette that has broken edges. However, the Bent Pyramid of Dahshur has the charm of imperfection in addition to being a crucial piece in the development of the great pyramids built by the pharaohs of the IV Dynasty.

Located 25 miles from Cairo, Dahshur was like a testing ground architecturally, leading to the first pyramid with smooth faces in history, the Red Pyramid. Both were constructed during the reign of the Old Kingdom of Snefru, father of the famous Khufu, the first pharaoh of the IV Dynasty (2613-2494 BC). In other words, without this bent pyramid, the Great Pyramid would not have been achieved.

The rhomboidal pyramid of Dahshur was initially started as a 'classic' pyramid with a 60-degree inclination. But something must have happened at 154 feet because the slope of the faces was reduced to 43 degrees, giving it its peculiar 'bent' appearance. Researchers still do not agree on whether this change in slope was due to structural reasons or if it was done intentionally.

In addition to its unique shape, the Bent Pyramid of Dahshur stands out for still retaining most of its casing (no, the pyramids did not look as they do today with steps), making it the best-preserved pyramid in all of Egypt, earning it the epic nickname of 'The One That Shines in the Sun.'

The archaeological site of Dahshur is also recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site (Memphis and Its Necropolis - Areas of the Pyramids from Giza to Dahshur). It deserves recognition for being an important milestone in the development of the technology that allowed the construction of the most beautiful pyramids of ancient Egypt. In fact, Snefru is considered the first pharaoh to build a pyramid with smooth faces. However, fame went to his son Khufu, who managed to erect the most perfect and beautiful of the pyramids, the Great Pyramid of Giza.