Britannica AI Icon

Blunted Pyramid

pyramid, Dahshūr, Egypt
Also known as: Bent Pyramid, False Pyramid, Rhomboidal Pyramid(Show More)

Quick Summary

The Blunted Pyramid, also known as the Bent or Rhomboidal Pyramid, is located at the Dahshur pyramid site in ancient Memphis, Egypt. It was built during the 4th dynasty by King Snefru, around 2575–2551 BCE.1

This pyramid represents an early attempt to construct a true pyramid. However, the initial steep angle of 52° proved too difficult to maintain, leading to a change in the angle to 43.5° for the upper portion. This resulted in its distinctive "blunted" or bent shape. It is the best-preserved of the early pyramids and is unique for having two entrances. The Blunted Pyramid is considered a significant step in the evolution of pyramid construction, preceding Snefru's successful true pyramid, the Red Pyramid, also at Dahshur.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
2 Britannica Sources
  1. Dahshūr
  2. pyramid

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.