A site south of GIZA dating to the Fifth Dynasty (2465–2323 B.C.E.) and containing a vast cemetery and pyramidal complexes. The large pyramid of SAHURE (r. 2458–2446 B.C.E.) dominates the site that once contained 14 such structures, most now reduced to cores of rubble or stone. Sahure’s pyramid has a causeway, VALLEY TEMPLE, and a canal intact. The portico of the valley temple has eight columns as well as a large hall provided with wall reliefs and a black basalt pavement. A temple area dedicated to the goddess SEKHMET appears to have been refurbished as a shrine in later eras, aiding in its preservation. Storerooms, corridors, and niches form two levels, and red granite papyrus columns support the upper floor. Cultic chambers, a sanctuary with an altar, and a granite false door were also found there. An elaborate drainage system was incorporated into the complex, using lion- headed gargoyles and open channels. Copper-lined basins were connected to underground copper pipes in this system. These are still visible. Called “the Soul of Sahure Glistens” at its dedication, this pyramid has a limestone core as the foundation, filled with sand and rubble and faced with fine stone.
The mastaba of the nobleman PTAHSHEPSES, a relative of NIUSERRE (r. 2416–2392 B.C.E.) and a court official, is a fully developed structure to the north of Niuserre unfinished monument. Ptahshepses’ tomb has a colonnaded court with 20 pillars, a portico, a hall, and a chamber depicting family portraits.
Niuserre’s pyramidal complex was dedicated as “the Places of Niuserre are Enduring.” In erecting his valley temple, Niuserre usurped part of KAKAI’s original structure. The core was made of limestone and included a colonnaded court and cultic chamber.
The pyramid of Kakai (Neferirkare; r. 2446–2426 B.C.E.) was built out of mud brick and completed by his successor. It was dedicated as “Kakai Has Become a Soul” or as “the Pyramid of the Ba-spirit.” Local limestone formed the core, and the facing was a fine limestone and red granite.
The pyramid of NEFEREFRE (r. 2419–2416 B.C.E.) is also located on the site of Abusir. It was dedicated as “the Pyramid which is Divine of the Ba-spirits” but was never completed. It was a low mound of limestone, with no causeway or temple. Another ruin at Abusir is associated with Queen KHENTAKAWES, the consort of SHEPSESKHAF (r. 2472–2467 B.C.E.).
A new tomb was recently discovered at Abusir, dating to the Sixth Dynasty (2323–2150 B.C.E.) and built for a judge named Inti. Large, with ground and subterranean levels, the tomb is part of a complex of sites belonging to Inti’s family. Elaborate decorations and statues have also been found.
