Meidum Pyramid

Maidum, near the entrance to Fayum in Middle Egypt, is famous for a strangely shaped pyramid that dominates the landscape, due to the partial collapse of the original monument, for an earthquake or structural error. The accident occurred in ancient times, but the mound of stones and debris still surrounds the base of the pyramid. The identity of the king who built it is not clear; it was attributed to the dark king Huni, of the 3rd dynasty, but there are those who tend to assign it to Snofru, of the 4th dynasty. In that case, it should be added to the two known pyramids of that king, in Dahshur, and considered the oldest of the three.

The white limestone that covered it is still largely preserved. Possibly, the distance from Maidum to Cairo discouraged thieves who stole the polished coatings of the pyramids and mastabas in Giza and Sakara. It is assumed that the monument was originally a stepped pyramid, in the form adopted by the kings of the 3rd dynasty. The steps were subsequently filled in to produce smooth sides; It is likely that the accident occurred in this second stage.

Most of the private mastabas, which were built near the royal pyramid, were destroyed because their superstructures were made of bricks. However, some gave rise to important discoveries, such as the famous frieze of geese, today in the Cairo Museum. The mastaba of Prince Rahotep produced an equally famous group of statues (today two separate ones are preserved) representing the prince and his wife Nofret, which retains all its colors and is the earliest example of non-real statuary of almost natural size. The two are sitting on stone seats with high backs. Today at the Cairo Museum.