Pyramid of Teti
From ArchaeoWiki
| Identifiers | |
|---|---|
| Alternative Names | none recorded |
| Dynasty | 6 (Old Kingdom) |
| Owner | Teti |
| Builder / Architect | unknown |
| Ancient Name(s) | 'The Places of Teti Endure' |
| Location | |
| Locale | North Saqqara |
| Coordinates | not specified |
| Measurements | |
| Height (original) | 52.5 m (172 ft) |
| Height (present) | |
| Angle of Slope | 53° 7' 48" |
| Base Dimension(s) | 78.75 m (258 ft / 150 cubits) |
| Orientation | |
| Related Structures | |
| Subsidiary Pyramids | queens △△ satellite △ |
| Boat Pits | |
| Causeway | |
| Construction | |
| Materials | |
| Structure | 5-step core; 3 layers slabs roofing burial chamber |
The Pyramid of Teti at Saqqara is northernmost amongst the various pyramids at that plateau locality, several hundred metres to the north-east of Djoser's Step Pyramid enclosure. The compact Pyramid of Userkaf stands between the two structures.
Teti, the first ruler of the Sixth Dynasty, chose a location on the Saqqara plateau close the main escarpment on its eastern edge. The Pyramid of Teti was subsequently surrounded by the tombs of his courtiers in extensive cemeteries, the resulting necropolis becoming a favoured burial place for individuals in subsequent reigns and periods.
Pyramid Temple
The mortuary temple attached to the Pyramid of Teti was constructed at the base of the pyramid's eastern face. Extensively robbed of its stone components by the much later builders of the Anubeion and the St Jeremias Monastery, little remains standing. Despite this, the plan is readily discernible and represents a continuation of the layouts employed by Djedkare-Isesi and Unas in their pyramid temples, the entrance hall leading to an open court, these elements flanked by storage magazines. The inner temple retains the standard 5 statue niches.
Several archaising features are present within the temple, not least the square granite pillars of the collonaded court.
Valley Temple
The remains of a valley temple for the Pyramid of Teti have never been traced—if, in fact, it ever existed at this position on the steep escarpment.
Bibliography
- Firth, Cecil M. [1929], "Excavations of the Department of Antiquities at Sakkara", ASAE 29 (1929), pp.64-70.
- Firth, Cecil M. and Gunn, Battiscombe [1926], Teti Pyramid Cemeteries, 2 volumes (I. Text, II. Plates), [Excavations at Saqqara], Le Caire: Imprimerie de l'Institut français d'archéologie orientale, 1926.
- Labrousse, A. [1994], "Les reines de Téti, Khouit et Ipout I, recherches architecturales", in Berger, C., Clerc, G. and Grimal, N. (eds), Hommages à Jean Leclant, [BdÉ 106/1], Cairo, 1994, pp.231-244.
