Dahshur

While very few people actually venture this far South, the Dahshur pyramid field is the most interesting. There are a few groups of pyramids scattered around here. To one side is the Black pyramid, which we didn't go and see but saw it from afar. It is credited to be that of Amenemhet III (Joseph's pharoah in the Old Testament according to some). To another end are the pyramids credited to Snofru, (2613 to 2588 BC) father of Cheops. Who was Cheops? He was the builder of the big pyramid in Giza, a chip of the old block. The first of these pyramids credited to Snofru is the Red pyramid, red, because of the red limestone he used. This is opened to the public and one can go inside for no extra charge. Snofru isn't buried here but in the Bent pyramid. There's a third pyramid belonging to his wife, the mother of Cheops. They say grave robbers went into all of Snofru's pyramids. His wife's sarcophagus was removed and hidden in a place in Giza near her son, Cheop's great pyramid. I never knew pyramid history could be so interesting.

The steps leading up to the Red pyramid. It was pretty steep and I was panting as I walked up. I almost gave up.

Very few venture so far South from Cairo. This is the view from the pyramid, half way up, at the entrance of the ramp going into the pyramid. There is a handful of people around who came in the mini buses below. The Bent pyramid is just 1000 meters to the South of here and there is absolutely no visitors at the Bent pyramid.

The entrance of the ramp going into the pyramid.

People were coming out of it huffing and puffing and panting aloud. It was too scary, I didn't want to enter so I turned around and came down from the pyramid. I get claustrophobic in small tight areas.

We just left the Red pyramid and am now heading for the Bent pyramid. I didn't know there would be so much to learn about the pyramids. It is so amazing. I could go back again and see more of the other pyramids. There are over 100 of them.

To see the inside of the Red pyramid, click on this link http://www.guardians.net/egypt/red2.htm