Development of the Meidum pyramid built for King Huni
Learn about the history and the development of the Meidum pyramid of King Huni that was completed by his successor King Snefru and burial customs in ancient Egypt and the tombs of the pharaohs. The design of the Meidum pyramid was 'stepped' or tiered but it was covered with one uniform slope of masonry with a smooth, angled finish making it the first true pyramid. 
Facts about the Meidum Pyramid
The plan of the pyramid consists of three parts: the chapel (or temple), the passage, and the sepulchral vault (burial chamber). The temple is always separate and contained chambers, courts, and passages where ceremonies were conducted and offerings were made. The pyramid itself only contained the passages and sepulchral vault. Learn about the ancient pyramids of Egypt, and the tombs of the pharaohs, the fast and easy way via the Meidum Pyramid Fact sheet.
Ancient Egypt - Meidum pyramid Fact Sheet |
Fact 1 on Meidum pyramid: | The architectural design the Meidum pyramid followed the 'step' or 'tiered' method of construction. The Step pyramid at Saqqara was its forerunner and had begun as a traditional, flat-roofed Mastaba Tomb. The Step pyramid at Saqqara had six distinct tiers and consisted of three parts: the chapel, the passage, and the sepulchral vault. 
King Djoser's Step pyramid at Saqqara
| Fact 2 on Meidum pyramid: | The architectural design the Meidum pyramid followed the 'step' or 'tiered' method of construction pioneered in the Djoser Step Pyramid. The new style differed when the ancient Egyptian architects decided to attempt to fill in the steps with a smooth straight casing of limestone.
| Fact 3 on Meidum pyramid: | The Huni monument was constructed at Meidum, on the edge of the Faiyum, near Crocodilopolis (see map below). The king broke with tradition by moving the royal cemetery of the kings 90 kilometers (55 miles) to the south from the Saqqara area. 
| Fact 4 on Meidum pyramid: | It was constructed using a square floor plan and was covered with limestone from the Stone quarry at Tura.
| Fact 5 on Meidum pyramid: | It was the first true pyramid. A coating was added to every step. This process, was repeated seven times, resulting in a high stepped mass of masonry which, for the first time, was now covered with one uniform slope of masonry from base to top resulting in a true pyramid.
| Fact 6 on Meidum pyramid: | Only three steps remain, as the limestone covering collapsed during the period known as the New Kingdom.
| Fact 7 on Meidum pyramid: | The burial chamber was unusual as it was entered via a vertical shaft in the floor - see the plan below. continued... |
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Ancient Egypt - Meidum pyramid Fact Sheet |
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The Meidum Pyramid 
Meidum Step design - covered in limestone | 
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Meidum pyramid of Huni
Discover fast, interesting fun facts about the Meidum monument for kids with some amazing, cool and quick information about ancient Egypt and Egyptians. Ideal for children, homework, schools, teachers and kids of all ages! Find fascinating fun facts about the Meidum monument for kids and the history, culture and civilisation of the ancient Egyptians and ancient Egypt. Interesting, fun facts about the Meidum monument for research, schools, students and kids of all ages. |
