Hawara Pyramid
Al Fayyūm
The Hawara Pyramid is an archaeological site located in the Fayyum oasis of Egypt, south of the ancient city Crocodilopolis. Constructed by King Amenemhat III of the 12th Dynasty between the 19th and 18th centuries BC, it served as his final resting place. Unlike earlier pyramids, it was primarily built of mudbrick with a limestone core and once had a limestone facing, most of which was later removed. The pyramid is notable for its complex internal structure designed to thwart tomb robbers, including multiple massive sliding trapdoors and false passages. The burial chamber itself was carved from a single quartzite monolith weighing an estimated 110 tons. Adjacent to the pyramid once stood an enormous mortuary temple complex believed to be the basis for the legendary 'Labyrinth' described by Herodotus. Although much of the pyramid and temple have eroded or been dismantled over millennia, the site remains significant for its architectural innovations and historical importance in Middle Kingdom Egypt. The pyramid also includes the tomb of Neferuptah, Amenemhat's daughter, located nearby. Despite its ruined state, Hawara continues to captivate visitors interested in ancient Egyptian history and funerary architecture.
ヒント: Visitors should plan their visit during cooler months to avoid Egypt's intense summer heat. Due to the site's remote location and limited facilities, arranging guided tours or transport in advance is recommended. While the pyramid itself is largely eroded, knowledgeable guides can provide rich historical context. Purchasing tickets ahead of time where possible can help avoid delays. Modest discounts may be available for students or seniors. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, as the terrain can be uneven and exposed.
興味深い事実
- •The Hawara Pyramid's internal design includes multiple 20-ton sliding trapdoors intended to thwart tomb robbers.
- •The burial chamber was carved from a single quartzite monolith estimated to weigh 110 tons.
- •The adjacent mortuary temple complex inspired the ancient Greek historian Herodotus to describe a 'Labyrinth' at Hawara.
- •Despite its elaborate defenses, the pyramid's trapdoors were found open, suggesting possible tomb robbery or other unknown reasons.
- •Pharaoh Sobekneferu, the 12th Dynasty queen, also built at the Hawara complex.
- •The pyramid's limestone facing was largely removed and repurposed during the Ptolemaic period for construction in the nearby city of Arsinoë.
歴史
The Hawara Pyramid was built by Pharaoh Amenemhat III during Egypt's 12th Dynasty, around the late Middle Kingdom period (19th-18th centuries BC).
It succeeded the 'Black Pyramid' at Dahshur as Amenemhat's final burial site.
The adjacent mortuary temple complex, known as the 'Labyrinth,' was renowned in antiquity and mentioned by historians such as Herodotus and Strabo.
Over time, much of the limestone facing and temple stones were removed, possibly during Ptolemaic building projects in nearby Arsinoë.
The site also includes a tomb of Neferuptah, Amenemhat's daughter.
The pyramid's elaborate internal defenses reflect the period's concerns about tomb robbery, although the tomb had likely been disturbed by the time of its modern excavation.
場所ガイド
Pyramid Entrance and Passageways19th-18th centuries BC
The entrance leads to a sloping passage with steps descending to a small room and a horizontal corridor featuring concealed massive sliding trapdoors designed to mislead robbers.
Burial Chamber19th-18th centuries BC
Located deep within the pyramid, the burial chamber is a large chamber lined with limestone and contains a massive quartzite sarcophagus monolith weighing about 110 tons, covered by additional quartzite slabs and topped with a pointed limestone roof supported by a brick arch.
Mortuary Temple ('Labyrinth')Middle Kingdom, expanded in Ptolemaic period
Originally a vast complex of galleries and courtyards adjacent to the pyramid, this temple was famed in antiquity as the 'Labyrinth' and was described by Herodotus and other classical authors. Most of it is now lost, with only foundations and scattered limestone fragments remaining.
