Bent Pyramid

The Bent Pyramid, a remarkable testament to ancient Egyptian architecture, stands as a unique structure in the Dahshur necropolis, located approximately 40 kilometers south of Cairo. This intriguing edifice, constructed under the rule of Pharaoh Sneferu around 2600 BCE, is distinguished by its unusual shape, which features a sudden change in angle partway up its sides. This peculiarity gives the pyramid its bent appearance, hence the name.

With a base length of 188 meters and an original height of 105 meters, the Bent Pyramid was an ambitious project that marked a transitional phase in pyramid construction. It is believed that architects altered its inclination from 54 degrees to a more modest 43 degrees midway through construction, likely due to concerns about the pyramid's stability. This adjustment resulted in a bent look that deviates from the straight-sided pyramids commonly associated with Egypt.

The Bent Pyramid holds the distinction of being one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian pyramids. It retains much of its original limestone casing, allowing visitors to appreciate the pyramid's design as it would have appeared thousands of years ago. The structure also features two entrances, which is unusual for Egyptian pyramids, leading to separate internal chambers that have provided valuable insights into ancient construction techniques.