How much do you know about the Pyramid of Unas?

Also known as the Pyramid of Unas, it was built for the last king of the Fifth Dynasty, who reigned for around 30 years. It is located in North Saqqara, on the direct route from the Pyramid of Sekemkhet to the Headless Pyramid of Menkauer.

Built around 2367–2347 BC, it is a funerary monument to Pharaoh Unas.

Although the pyramid has now been reduced to a hill, it originally stood 43 metres high with sides measuring 57.5 metres. The ancient name Unas translates as 'the most perfect'. On the eastern side of the pyramid, the remains of a mortuary temple have been preserved.

Although modest in size compared to earlier pyramids, this tomb's importance is unique and unparalleled due to the presence of the earliest known texts, which are carved directly into the interior limestone walls.

Consisting of hundreds of spells and utterances, these hieroglyphic inscriptions were designed to protect the king's soul as it entered the afterlife and ensure its transformation into an eternal divine being among the stars.

These texts represent a significant change in ancient Egyptian religious beliefs, introducing complex ideas about resurrection, cosmic order and the journey of the pharaoh's soul beyond death.

Later, these texts formed the basis of the Coffin Texts and the Book of the Dead.

This pyramid was built for the sixth-dynasty pharaoh Teti. The pyramid texts from Teti's pyramid are inscribed on the east wall of the burial chamber.

These are the oldest known religious texts in the world, and were inscribed on the walls and sarcophagi of pyramids at Saqqara during the Fifth and Sixth Dynasties of the Old Kingdom.

The spells, or 'utterances', of the Pyramid Texts primarily concern protecting the pharaoh's remains, reanimating his body after death and helping him ascend to the heavens. The afterlife was particularly important during the Old Kingdom. The spells describe all the ways in which the pharaoh could travel, including using ramps, stairs and ladders, and, most importantly, flying. They could also be used to call on the gods for help, even threatening them if they did not comply.

The largest Mastaba tomb of the Vizier Mereruka, who wa the second important person in the country.

The Mastaba tomb of Kagemni, the Chief Justice during the reign of the Pharaoh Teti.

You are here to experience something completely different. The Bent Pyramid's shape is unique. This lesser-known site provides privacy and ample time to explore this awe-inspiring construction. It took 7 years to build the Bent Pyramid.

Discover the magnificent Red Pyramid, built for King Snefru, which is considered the final step in the afterlife of the pharaoh.