Lisht Pyramid
Our first stop for the day was to the Lisht Pyramid. Although the site is closed to tourists, Archaeological Paths received special permission for our group to visit the site. It was fantastic to have this place all to ourselves.
While the exploration of internal passages of the Pyramid is closed because of groundwater issues, it was a fascinating place to visit and to learn more about its history.
“Located on the west bank of the Nile, between Saqqara and Meidum, about 50km south of Cairo, was the ancient residence and necropolis of the first two rulers of Dynasty XII at Lisht. During the early Middle Kingdom the capital had temporarily moved away from Memphis to Thebes, until the first king of Dynasty XII, Amenemhet I founded a new residence, ‘Itjawy’, near the modern village of Lisht. ” https://egyptsites.wordpress.com/2009/02/26/pyramid-of-amenemhet-i-at-el-lisht/
Lisht Pyramid
The chief Inspector of the site and our Tour Guide Amr making us laugh! The mummy jokes never cease to amuse us. 
What is this? Did I find some ancient artifact?
Carvings found on rock near entrance to the pyramid- Ancient Egyptains reused materials from other sites. They also robbed this site to use it’s materials elsewhere.
Lahun Pyramid
“Like the other Twelfth Dynasty pyramids in the Faiyum, the Pyramid of Lahun is made of mud brick, but here the core of the pyramid consists of a network of stone walls that were infilled by mud brick. This approach was probably intended to ensure the stability of the brick structure. Unusually, despite a Pyramid Temple on the east side, the entrance to the pyramid is on the south.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Lahun
Flinders Petrie
“The archaeologist Flinders Petrie nevertheless spent considerable time searching for it on the east side. He discovered the entrance only when workmen clearing the nearby tombs of the nobles discovered a small tunnel at the bottom of a 40-foot shaft, which led to the royal burial chamber. Evidently the original workmen on the tomb had used their legitimate activity as a cover for digging this tunnel, which enabled them to rob the pyramid. Once he was in the burial chamber, Petrie was able to work backward to the entrance.” For more info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Lahun
We got to go inside the pyramid and walk all around it. Again, we were the only visitors to the site.
Lahon Pyramid
You can see original “larger” base of the pyramid by looking at raised level on the ground.
Mudbrick structure.
Here is a video I took of our group entering the pyramid. (Please note: my video recording skills need future refining) lol
A new discovery
I also posted on my Instagram stories a video I shot of an opening I found above the burial chamber. I noticed it also had a gable roof just like the burial chamber. When I asked my guide about it, he did not know about it but would find out for me. I thought I discovered something special. Maybe there is some Pharoah booty up there? No such luck. He later found out it was a space to help with structural support. Shucks!
In the afternoon, we then headed to Al Minya on our luxury bus. Along the way, our tour guide delighted us with some enchanting music. From the below clip you will get an idea of what we listened to.
I felt like I had gone to heaven with the sun, the simsimyya, and the Sahara serenading me onward. What could beat this feeling? Just wait and see. My journey is far from over.
If you enjoy reading my posts about Egypt, STEM, Drones, MIT, mountains, or mysteries I hope you will want to run out and purchase my first book, “Osiris Returns”. With some luck, it should come to market late 2020 / early 2021. Please consider staying in the loop. An email sign-up form is located at the bottom of my home page along with my social media links. Your email will only be used to alert you when my book comes out. I will not use or share your email for any other purpose.
