As we approached the Step Pyramid, I was struck by the towering
wall surrounding Djoser’s Complex. Rising impressively to 10.5
meters, its façade is adorned with intricate recessed panels spanning
a massive 544 meters by 277 meters. This was more than a burial
site; it was envisioned as an eternal home, a lasting testament to the
belief in life beyond death.
One of the highlights of our exploration was at the Mastaba of
Princess Idut, where we witnessed a mesmerising scene depicted in
ancient art—an evocative moment of nature, with a hippopotamus
giving birth while a crocodile lurks nearby. It’s a striking reminder of
the delicate balance of life in the Nile’s ecosystem and a glimpse into
the artistic expressions of a civilisation that flourished thousands of
years ago.
Still in Dahshur, we ventured to one of Egypt’s most captivating
architectural wonders: the Bent Pyramid. Built by the innovative
Pharaoh Sneferu around 2600 BCE, this structure represents a bold
leap in pyramid design. It was Sneferu's second pyramid, a daring
experiment following the unfortunate collapse of the Meidum Pyramid
and preceding the triumph of the nearby Red Pyramid.
What sets the Bent Pyramid apart is its fascinating silhouette.
Starting with a steep 54-degree incline, it suddenly transitions to a
gentler 43-degree angle at about 47 meters, creating its intriguing
“bent” appearance. This unique design decision likely arose from the
lessons learned during the construction of earlier pyramids—perhaps
a response to the structural challenges they presented.
Ultimately, the Bent Pyramid marks a crucial turning point in the
evolution of pyramid design, bridging the gap between the stepped
and the smooth-sided structures.