Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III (2024)

The Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III is an immortal motto of the creative essence and the strong will of ancient Egypt on their quest to establish an extraordinary wonder that paved the way for the rise of the great pyramids of Giza.

The black pyramid marks the unique respect and imagination of the ancient Egyptians, who utilized the black stones of their terrain to create a special monument that honors the great structures of the Middle Kingdom of Egypt. It offers the chance to catch a glimpse of the ancient Egyptians of the middle kingdom of the holy land of Dahshur trying to preserve the lost art of pyramid creation. This article will provide all the information, in great detail, about this black wonder.

History Of The Pyramid

The black pyramid was built by King Amenemhat III (1860 BC- 1814 BC) of the 12th Dynasty (1991 BC – 1802 BC) during the Middle Kingdom of Egypt (2055–1650 BC). It is known to be one of the 5 remaining pyramids of the original 11 pyramids of Dahshur in ancient Egypt. The pyramid is known as the Amenemhat is Mighty, which has also earned the name the black pyramid for its marvelous dark color plus its decaying appearance of a unique rubble mound.

The black pyramid was the 1st house and the final resting place of the deceased royal pharaoh and his royal wife-queens. Around 1892, Jacques de Morgan during a French excavation mission took place across the Dahshur area, and again in 1983, the German Archaeological Institute of Cairo completed an excavation mission across the area.

Location and How to Get the Black Pyramid

The enigmatic Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III, which was known as "Amenemhat is Mighty and Perfect" is found in the heart of Egypt in the Dahsur area and boasts a striking history filled with fascinating architectural intricacies and mysterious events in Al Marazeek - Dahshour, Al Giza Desert, Giza Governorate.

The coordinates of the Pyramid of Amenemhat III are 29°47′30.0″N 31°13′25″E. The best way to reach this pyramid and uncover its secrets is by booking with a travel agency in order to enjoy easy transportation and the knowledge of a skilled tour guide.

Why is it Called the Black Pyramid?

The Pyramid of Amenemhat III is called the "Black Pyramid" because of the color of the mudbrick core that is exposed on the exterior. The mudbrick core was made from a type of clay-rich soil, and it has a dark or blackish color. This dark core is visible because much of the outer casing stones of the pyramid, which would have originally covered and smoothed its surface, have eroded or been removed over the centuries.

These smooth polished white Tura limestone casing stones were highly prized and were often removed and repurposed for other construction projects in old Cairo, leaving the dark mudbrick core exposed, which led to the pyramid being called the "Black Pyramid" due to the striking contrast between the core and the missing casing stones.

The Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III Architecture

The black pyramid of Amenemhat III rises majestically to a towering height of approximately 75 meters, standing as a colossal ancient wonder. Its base stretches to an impressive 105 meters in length. This pyramid has a remarkably steep incline, leaning at an acute 57-degree angle, which is a unique departure from the more common pyramid designs. It was constructed during the Middle Kingdom era and was predominantly made of mud brick and clay, keeping with the architectural traditions of its time. What lends it the mysterious and captivating name "Black Pyramid" is its limestone casing, which encased the mud brick core, thus giving it a distinctive ebony color.

The ground level has an entrance leading to a spacious courtyard known for the presence of a mortuary temple enclosed by sturdy walls. It is a remarkable feature that held the presence of ten shaft tombs ingeniously carved into the natural rock found between two sets of formidable walls. The orientation of the pyramid extends from east to west, with entrances skillfully placed on its southeastern and southwestern corners. The core of the pyramid was a massive edifice of mud brick without internal walls, a decision possibly made due to concerns about the proximity of the structure to the mighty Nile River.

The structural challenges faced by the Black Pyramid were evident as it began to sink over time, akin to the famous Bent Pyramid of Sneferu at Dashur. The exterior cladding was a magnificent veneer of limestone held together with dovetail pegs, resulting in final dimensions of about 200 cubits per side and 150 cubits in height, which were truly a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. Beneath the Grand Pyramid is a network of underground passages and chambers that was discovered. The 'King's section' contained a sarcophagus and a canopic jar which was not used for the king's burial. The 'Queen's section' had fallen victim to looters. Four additional burial chambers were unearthed, each shrouded in mystery. While their occupants remain unidentified, speculation suggests that two of them may belong to King Amenemhet IV and Queen Sobekneferu.

As the Black Pyramid slowly sank, desperate attempts were made to install support beams and mud brick walls in an effort to salvage the grand structure. These interventions proved futile, eventually leading to the pyramid's abandonment and its slow descent into obscurity. The Black Pyramid faced numerous structural challenges, which ultimately led to its downfall. Its location in a low-lying area near the Nile allowed groundwater to infiltrate its foundation, weakening the structure over time.

The underground chambers lacked the necessary support from the superstructure above, causing the pyramid to sink. The reliance on mud brick beneath the surface blocks, combined with the removal of the limestone casing, accelerated the deterioration of the structure. These multifaceted issues, along with the intriguing mysteries surrounding its history, make the Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III a truly captivating and enigmatic relic of ancient Egypt.

The Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III Contents

The mortuary temple is heavily damaged, and there is an open courtyard with 18 granite columns in the shape of holy Papyrus plants. Behind it is an offering hall. The inner walls of the pyramid contain a series of niches that may have held statues of the king.

A wide causeway with a low brick wall on each side connected the black pyramid of Amenemhat III and the mortuary temple with the valley temple which is composed of two open courts raised terrace above the other.

The walls of the lower court formed a gateway that resembled a pylon. In the court, a limestone model of a 13th dynasty pyramid with a subterranean chamber was found. In the west of the pyramid are several tombs belonging to various members, like his daughters, that contain the personal items and jewelry of these princesses.

Pyramidion of Amenemhat III

The magnificent Pyramidion of Pharaoh Amenemhat III is a unique piece of art created around 1850 BC in order to become the capstone that crowned the black pyramid of Dashur. This magical artifact was displayed in the Egyptian museum and remains still. The pyramidion was rediscovered in 1900 during an inspection in the Dashur area after it was attacked by robbers on the guards at the Saqqara necropolis. The basalt capstone is known to measure 1.85 meters in base length and 1.40 meters in height and weighs approximately 4.5 tonnes. Across the four upper faces are a number of intricate inscriptions. The eastern face is able to showcase a sun disk which was flanked by magical uraei and wadjat that represent the king’s eyes, where the sun disk refers to the god Ra, and Nefer stands for beauty. The composition is able to read a certain message, which is "Amenemhat Beholds the Perfection of Ra".

There are a number of marvelous inscriptions found on the bottom of the four upper faces that convey blessings to the royal king. The northern face showcases the king’s exalted status. The eastern face of the pyramidion wished for the king to be the lord of the horizon and cross the magical upper sky. The southern face carries the image of Imiut or Anubis and sheds light on the king's connection with the western desert and his golden inheritance. The western face carries images of Sokar-Osiris and Ptah providing power and life to the king. The name of the god Amun is found in the cartouches of Amenemhat, which has been erased and may have been made during the reign of Akhenaten in the 18th Dynasty, showcasing the pyramidion may have been on the ground since 1350 BC. Some believe the pyramidion’s incredible preservation led to the belief that the pyramidion was never placed on top of the pyramid.

Best Tours to Egypt

Immerse yourself in the enigmatic world of Egypt's pyramids, traversing through time and marveling at the engineering feats of these historical treasures through our best Egypt pyramids tour packages. Discover Giza's iconic Pyramids and Sphinx, then venture deeper into history at Bent and Red Pyramids in Dahshur and explore the intriguing Medium Pyramid. Our expert-guided tours unveil the secrets of each ancient wonder, offering a rich narrative that spans various pyramids and necropolises. Book now for an immersive journey through Egypt's pyramid legacy!