Bent Pyramid
Archaeological Site Early Egyptian pyramid notable for sloping profile
At Dahshur, the Bent Pyramid represents an early experiment in pyramid angle and casing; Egypt tourists and students compare it with Sneferu’s other pyramids to study Old Kingdom engineering.
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The Bent Pyramid at Dahshur is an Old Kingdom royal pyramid attributed to Pharaoh Sneferu and notable for its change of slope partway up the structure, which gives it a characteristic bent profile.
Visitors see the unique geometry of the monument and the adjoining Red Pyramid and other tombs that together illustrate development from step-sided to smooth-sided pyramid designs. The complex provides direct evidence of architectural experimentation in Egypt’s 4th Dynasty.
The pyramid was built for Sneferu in the early Old Kingdom period and forms part of the larger Dahshur necropolis where several royal funerary monuments were erected as the art of pyramid building evolved.
Dahshur lies on the western desert edge of the Nile Valley, within the Giza Governorate area; the site is southwest of central Cairo and is visited together with other Old Kingdom monuments on the western plateau.
- Architectural significance: The pyramid's two distinct slope angles reflect an early experiment in true smooth-sided pyramid construction during the reign of Sneferu in the early Old Kingdom.
What to See #
- Bent Pyramid (main structure): The Bent Pyramid is part of the Dahshur pyramid field and is distinguished by its change of slope partway up the sides, giving it a bent appearance compared with true smooth-sided pyramids.
- Dahshur necropolis: The nearby Red Pyramid and other tombs form the Dahshur necropolis, created during the reign of Sneferu and his successors in Egypt's 4th Dynasty.
How to Get to Bent Pyramid #
The Bent Pyramid is part of the Dahshur necropolis in the Giza Governorate, south of Cairo. Access is by road from Cairo or Giza-follow the desert roads toward Dahshur/Dashur (the Fayoum-Cairo road region) and signage to the archaeological area; private cars, taxis or organized tours from Cairo/Giza commonly visit the site. The pyramid complex has basic visitor access and parking on site.
Tips for Visiting Bent Pyramid #
- Combine the Bent Pyramid with an early visit to the nearby Red Pyramid in Dahshur; arriving at opening time gives cooler temperatures and far fewer coach-tour crowds than mid-day.
- Take time to walk around the base to appreciate the Bent Pyramid's change in angle and surviving limestone casing - many visitors only snap a quick photo and miss how unusual the lower casing and transition are compared with nearby pyramids.
Best Time to Visit Bent Pyramid #
Best visited in the cooler months (late autumn through early spring) and in the morning to avoid the extreme desert heat of summer.
Weather & Climate near Bent Pyramid #
Bent Pyramid's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 7°C to 36°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 36°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
