Pyramid of Teti

Summary

• The Pyramid of Teti, constructed during the Old Kingdom of Egypt, showcases remarkable architectural prowess. It held Pyramid Texts and ancient religious writings and remains a well-preserved testament to Teti's reign and its impact on Egyptian history.
• Teti's pyramid, part of the Saqqara necropolis, stands as a 6th dynasty wonder, featuring intricate corridors, chambers, and a burial chamber adorned with Pyramid Texts. Its design influenced subsequent pharaohs and showcased the evolution of Egyptian funerary architecture.
• King Teti, the first ruler of the 6th Dynasty, left a significant legacy. His reign saw monumental changes, family lineage, and architectural innovations, including the construction of grand tombs like Mereruka's mastaba.
• Teti's complex mirrors Djedkare Isesi's design, comprising temples, chambers, and satellite pyramids. It reflects rituals, offerings, and structures crucial for the king's journey into the afterlife.
• Surrounding Teti's pyramid are diverse tombs, including those of prominent individuals like Khuit II and Mereruka. Over time, this necropolis continued to evolve, attracting figures like Ramses II and serving as a sacred site through various epochs.

The Pyramid of Teti is an extraordinary marvel of architectural brilliance. It showcases the power and incredible knowledge of the ancient Egyptians, who utilized them by immortalizing their names in the history books. During the 6th dynasty of the old kingdom of Egypt, Saqqara was able to transform into a golden garden of Pyramids. It is known to be the second pyramid in the history of Egypt, which possessed pyramid texts.

This enchanting pyramid can provide an ideal and comprehensive glimpse into the heart and soul of the creative minds of the ancient Egyptians. This smooth-sided wonder will shed light on several very important pieces of information and tales about the innovation of art and architecture across history.

History of the Teti Pyramid

Pharaoh Teti reigned during the Old Kingdom of Egypt, which commissioned the construction of a pyramid around 2345–2323 BC, marking his final resting place. Known as the "Places of Teti Endur", this pyramid became famous for housing the Pyramid Texts, significant religious writings from that era. Teti ruled for 12 years, his principal wife being Iput, daughter of Unas, the last king of the 5th dynasty. The pyramid was discovered in the 1850s and gradually buried by shifting sands. Historian Manetho proposed a theory suggesting Teti's assassination by his own bodyguards. In 1882 AD, Gaston Maspero initiated its excavation, with complete exploration occurring between 1907 and 1965. The site features remarkable structures like two Queens' Pyramids, a satellite Pyramid, two cult buildings, and a mortuary Temple.

Despite the passage of time, the pyramid remains well-preserved, resembling a small hill concealing underground corridors and chambers. Access to the funerary chambers is through sloping shafts and low passageways, leading to vaulted roofs adorned with intricate star-patterned blocks, although some have shifted inward over time. The design and layout of Teti's pyramid influenced subsequent 6th dynasty Pharaohs, many of whom were interred in the southern Saqqara necropolis, evident from the courtiers' tombs nearby. The pyramid's significance extends to its connection with the remarkable Serapeum through an avenue lined with golden Sphinxes, a route hidden beneath the sands of Saqqara. Over the years, numerous excavations have revealed the historical richness of this extraordinary site.

Location and How to Get the Teti Pyramid

This magnificent smooth-sided pyramid is located in the Saqqara green belt field of pyramids, which was established by Pharaoh Teti (2345 – 2323 BC), who was the first ruler of the 6th dynasty which was located near the Step Pyramid of Djoser (2667–2648 BC) which has the power to provide epic Giza Pyramids Complex and the Red Pyramid.

The pyramid is found 50 minutes away from central Cairo, but in order to get around the city, it is advised to book with a travel agency that will provide a vehicle with a skilled driver and a seasoned tour guide across the pyramids of Saqqara.

Who is King Teti

Teti ruled as the first king of Egypt's Sixth Dynasty around 2323–2291 BC, where his reign spanned 12 years, and he was succeeded by Userkare after his death. He was buried in Saqqara, and his legacy lies in his family tree and the monumental changes in Egypt during his time. Teti had multiple wives and children, among them being Iput, Khuit, Khentkaus IV, Naert, and possibly others. He fathered several sons, notably Pepi I, Tetiankhkem, and Nebkauhor, along with at least nine daughters who were named after his mother, Sesheshet. These daughters married prominent individuals and were linked to various viziers and officials of the time.

During Teti's rule, significant developments occurred in Egypt's funerary architecture, with high officials constructing grand tombs, including the renowned mastaba tomb of his vizier, Mereruka, featuring 33 elaborately decorated rooms. This period witnessed a shift in wealth distribution from the central court to officials, which signified the eventual decline of the Old Kingdom. Greek historian Manetho claimed that Teti was assassinated by his palace guards in a plot involving the harem. He was succeeded briefly by Userkare, and Teti's burial took place in the royal necropolis at Saqqara. Teti's mother "Queen Sesheshet" played a pivotal role in reconciling warring factions within the royal family and facilitating her son's ascent to the throne.

Her tomb was discovered in 2008 within this 4,300-year-old pyramid at Saqqara, which is marked for being the 118th pyramid found in Egypt. Recent archaeological discoveries at Saqqara in 2021 included over 50 wooden sarcophagi dating back to the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt and a 13-foot-long papyrus containing excerpts from the Book of the Dead. The pyramid also has the funerary temple of Queen Neith who was one of Teti's wives.

The Pyramid of Teti Architecture

Teti's great pyramid diverges from cardinal alignment but closely mirrors the design of Djedkare Isesi's pyramid. The entrance on the north side of the chapel leads down a 1,823-meter passage, which was once obstructed by granite and limestone debris from theft. The pyramid has a volume of 107,835 m3 (141,043 cu yd), 52.5 m (172 ft; 100 cu) high with a base length of 78.75 m (258 ft; 150 cu), which was constructed with smooth sides that were covered later with a marvelous layer of casing of limestone and a core of blocks of limestone and a fill of debris. The pyramid's interior is made of an antechamber, a subterranean chamber, and a burial chamber. Teti's pyramid measures 78.5 meters per side at the base and stands 52.5 meters tall, equaling 150 cubits and 100 cubits in the Egyptian Royal cubit measurement. The structure's core is made of locally quarried stone and debris fill, which was once covered with limestone but is now removed, thus causing structural shifts. 

The descending corridor unfolds into various sections like hallways and a bedroom with broken granite harrows and culminates in the king's funerary chambers. The six-meter room inside, with alternating limestone and granite, contains fragmented granite harrows. The horizontal passage connects a Serdab, antechamber, and burial chamber, all aligned east-west. The burial rooms are adorned with Pyramid Texts, aiding the king's rebirth. The burial chamber holds an unfinished sarcophagus, a fragmented lid, and a basic canopic container. The burial chamber had a ceiling that contained decorations of gold stars on a dark blue background. The tomb offers a magnificent entrance to the underworld. Despite ancient looting, remnants like a club head with Teti's name, an unfinished greywacke sarcophagus, a canopic jar, and discarded stone objects were discovered during the excavation. A plaster mold of a death mask, which was believed to be Teti's likeness, survived, marking the only true royal portrait from the Old Kingdom.

The Pyramid of Teti Contents

The pyramid of Teti has an entrance on the north side at the ground level along the central axis. The entrance is covered with flagstones, and above it is a small rectangular entrance chapel. The painted reliefs on the sidewall of the pyramid showcase usual offerings bearers, and against the back wall of the chapel is a false door of black basalt.

The roof of the chapel was made of a single limestone slab, which was decorated with a pattern of stars.  There are a couple of storage rooms and basic components and layouts similar to the pyramids of Djedkare and Unas. The walls of the descending passages are covered with granite, and there is a passage that opens into a small corridor chamber followed by a horizontal passage.

There are three portcullises to block the passage. There is a horizontal passage that opens into the antechamber, which is located under the center of the Teti pyramid. There is a room with three niches to the east that holds some statues of the king, and in the complete opposite is the burial chamber that contains a basalt sarcophagus.

On the walls of the burial chamber are the pyramid texts, which remain in very good condition. The mortuary temple of Teti was able to allow archaeologists to understand that the basic plan of the structure conformed to the scheme which appeared to be a standard as shown in the pyramid of Djedkare. The entrance is in the south section of the eastern wall.

There is a traverse corridor leading to the entrance hall that is located along the temple's axis, and the hall leads to the colonnades' open court. There is an altar made of alabaster holding beautiful decorations in the center of the open court. A second traverse corridor allows access to containers in the south and north of the entrance hall and the court. A satellite pyramid of Teti lies to the south of the corridor.

The Funerary Complex of Teti

Teti's pyramid complex was inspired by Djedkare Isesi's design and resembled Abusir funerary complexes, which were comprised of several key structures. The valley temple was replaced by an Old Kingdom temple for Anubis that was connected to a well-known funerary temple through a causeway. Teti's temple was similar to Unas's, which had a distinctive floor deviation from the typical temple axis, thus granting access through a north-south hallway instead of aligning directly east-west. The main axis led to a hall, which is the "Room of the Greats" displaying the royal family and court members accompanying the king's eternal journey. This opened into a courtyard surrounded by colonnades for daily offerings and rituals, with the only exit leading westward to the sanctuary.

Within the enclosed court, a sacred area for the king's priests was a chapel housing five Naos with statues depicting the king as principal deities. This section also held a private room with the king's black basalt false door stela that was crucial for funeral rites and rows of stores accessible through corridors. Another crucial element was the satellite pyramid within its enclosed court, which is situated southeast of the royal pyramid and is accessible through corridors and halls. This small pyramid housed an underground chamber and featured two landscaped basins in its courtyard, possibly indicating ritual practices associated with the sun's path.

The Necropolis of Teti Pyramid

The Teti Necropolis is a significant part of the Teti funerary complex, situated within the opulent expanse of the Saqqara necropolis. Teti's remarkable reputation and destiny left a lasting impression on his successors, who revered him as a potent spiritual intermediary. His legacy reverberates throughout history, evidenced by the reverence shown by courtiers and the monumental structures he commissioned. In honoring his main wives, Teti constructed individual pyramids, each accompanied by a worship pyramid. This necropolis, stemming from the sixth dynasty, boasts diverse tombs and complexes:

• The mastaba of Ankhmahor.
• The pyramid complex of Sesheshet I, Teti's mother.
• The pyramid complex of Khuit II.
• The mastaba of Kagemni, Teti's Vizier.
• The pyramid complex of Iput.
• The mastaba of Mereruka.
• The mastaba of Tetiankhkem, Teti and Khuit's royal prince.

During the Middle Kingdom of Egypt (2030 - 1650 BC), tombs belonging to royal priests, who are called Sekoueskhet and Sa-Hathor-Ipy, were unearthed on the eastern of Teti's pyramid. During the New Kingdom (1570 – 1050 BC), additional graves were incorporated near the funerary complex, with notable figures such as Ramses II, Khaemwaset, and the High Priest and royal prince of Ptah participating in the pyramid's restoration. Around 540 BC, the Anubis Temple was constructed atop the Teti funerary complex, maintaining its sacred allure for generations. The pyramid's dromos head to the Serapeum of Saqqara, further enriching the significance of this historical site.

Pyramid Teti Texts

The Pyramid Texts date back to around 2400–2300 BCE, thus making them the oldest religious texts in ancient Egyptian history. They were carved onto the walls and sarcophagi of pyramids at Saqqara during the Old Kingdom, these texts were exclusive to pharaohs and primarily aimed at aiding their journey into the afterlife. They were distinct from later texts like the Coffin Texts and Book of the Dead, which focused solely on the pharaoh’s transformation into an Akh where they could join the gods in the afterlife. Divided into two categories, the Sacerdotal texts were ritualistic, involving offering spells and instructional recitations, likely formulated during the earlier dynasties.

The Personal texts were more individualized, guiding the spirit through its transition and protection, featuring the oldest and most cryptic writing styles. These texts were meant to be chanted, detailing the pharaoh's actions and invoking the gods' aid. They often highlighted the pharaoh’s accomplishments and deeds during their rule to reassure both the living and the departed. Rituals like the opening of the mouth ceremony aimed to ensure the deceased could function in the afterlife. These texts were recited in a specific sequence within the pyramids, likely corresponding to the chambers' significance and usage during burial and ritual procedures.

Pyramid of Teti Facts

The Pyramid of Teti is an ancient Egyptian pyramid located in Saqqara, Egypt. Here are some key facts about it:

• The pyramid was built for Pharaoh Teti, who was the first ruler of the Sixth Dynasty during the Old Kingdom period of ancient Egypt. He reigned around 2345–2333 BC.
• Saqqara served as the burial ground for Memphis, the capital of ancient Egypt during the Old Kingdom. Teti's pyramid complex lies in this vast necropolis south of Cairo.
• Teti's pyramid followed the classic pyramid design, with a square base and four triangular sides rising to a point. It originally stood around 52.5 m (172 ft; 100 cu) tall with a base length of 78.75 m (258 ft; 150 cu).
• The burial chamber within the pyramid was carved deep within the structure. The walls were decorated with texts and hieroglyphs, known as Pyramid Texts, containing spells and religious texts to aid Teti's journey into the afterlife. These texts are some of the oldest religious compositions in ancient Egyptian history. They contain spells, prayers, and rituals aimed at helping the pharaoh's soul navigate the challenges of the afterlife and ascend to the realm of the gods.
• Archeologists explored and excavated the pyramid, revealing its inner chambers, corridors, and the inscriptions that adorned the walls. These discoveries have offered significant insights into ancient Egyptian funerary practices and beliefs.
• Over the years, restoration work has been carried out to preserve the structure and its inscriptions, ensuring its longevity for future generations to study and appreciate.
• The Pyramid of Teti is part of the Saqqara necropolis complex, which is open to visitors. While the pyramid itself may not be as famous as the Great Pyramid of Giza, it remains an essential site for those interested in ancient Egyptian history and architecture.

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