‘THE OTHER PYRAMIDS’ OR EGYPT’S HIDDEN TREASURE

While the Pyramids of Giza are still the number one hit for visitors to Egypt, soon, more of these ancient structures will be opened to tourists. The Dahshur’s ‘Bent Pyramid’ will be ready to welcome the public in a few months’ time.

 

The ancient Egyptians are considered one of the most fascinating ancient civilizations. Even today, many of their secrets remain uncovered and the obsession for many prevails. Tourists are lured here to discover the magnificent pyramids – the world’s wonders – as well as diverting art and culture of ancient Egyptians. Not every visitor is aware of yet another set of pyramids than those glorified in Giza. Some 80 km south of Cairo, near a small village of Dahshur, the strangely structured ‘Bent Pyramid’ still puzzles the archeologists.

At the moment, tourists are only allowed to view the pyramid from the outside, however, the chief archeologist, Zahi Hawass, who is exploring the pyramid, announced recently that the pyramid will open up to tourists in only a few months’ time.

There is one likely explanation of the pyramid’s strangely irregular structure. Originally planned to be built as a very steep building, the architects realized the structure may actually crash and decided to build the upper part in a less sharp degree.

The pyramid was built by Pharaoh Sneferu and the archeologists believe it was meant to be the pharaoh’s final resting place. Nevertheless, his burial chamber still remains undiscovered. The maze of corridors is very confusing. Apart from the ‘Bent Pyramid’ which was called “Sneferu Shining-in-the-South“, there is another one, called ‘Red Pyramid‘ which is already opened to tourists. Several other pyramids in the area will be opened within a year.

Egypt fans should be getting really excited. Dahshur is yet another one of Egypt’s true treasures. As Hawass says, it is not to become a westernized fast-food shrine surrounded by kitch souvenir stalls. Let’s hope he is right and Dahshur will remain a quiet and noble testimony to the genius of ancient Egyptians.

 

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