Pyramid of Hawara

The Pyramid of Hawara, built by Amenmehat III, the sixth Pharaoh of the 12th Dynasty, is located three hours' drive south of Cairo. The Pyramid of Hawara was built, according to historians, in 1850 BC, making it roughly 3,865 years old now. Because it appears far darker than other Egyptian pyramids from the same era, the Pyramid of Hawara is frequently referred to as the Black Pyramid. The pyramid's dark color is a result of its construction from brick stones and limestone covering.

The Pyramid of Hawara was approximately 60 meters (200 feet) tall when it was first built, yet erosion and desert sands have diminished its height slightly over time. Pharaoh Amenmehat III did not build the first pyramid, Hawara. His first, Dashur, was a failure and collapsed shortly after construction. As a result, the Pyramid of Hawara is constructed at a lower angle to avoid collapse. Even this second pyramid, however, is now little more than an eroded, vaguely pyramidal mound of mud brick.

The Pyramid of Hawara, which is still standing but no longer has a sharp pinnacle, is noteworthy for how it started to recognize and attempt to fool tomb thieves. In order to confuse and frustrate potential robbers in ancient Egypt, the Pyramid of Hawara included corridors that were laid out in a labyrinthine layout.

Location: about 9 kilometers east of the oasis of Faiyoum