Table of Contents
The video explores ancient Egypt, with a focus on the construction and purposes of the largest pyramids of the Old Kingdom. Speculation surrounds why Egyptians built on such a colossal scale. Most pyramids lack inscriptions or clues about their internal use, leading many to believe that the pyramids served more than as tombs for kings.
Evidence of Burial Function
Despite alternative theories, two strong pieces of evidence suggest that pyramids were burial sites:
- Most pyramids are located within necropolises, surrounded by other burials.
- Almost every pyramid contains a stone sarcophagus that could not have been brought in after construction.
Evolution of Pyramid Design
The design of pyramids evolved from modest structures into monumental tombs. This shift implies that not every pyramid served the same purpose. By distinguishing the physical evidence found in each pyramid, some of their mysteries may be unraveled. The video focuses on the stone sarcophagi found within pyramids, believed to be the eternal resting places of Egypt’s most powerful men.
Djoser’s Pyramid Box
Starting with the 3rd dynasty pharaoh Djoser, the pyramid contains a large granite box. However, this box does not resemble typical sarcophagi found elsewhere. The granite box is located beneath the pyramid’s apex, differing from later pyramids that placed their sarcophagi near but not directly beneath the center of the structure.
South Tomb and Granite Boxes
Djoser built a similar box beneath the South Tomb in his pyramid complex. Egyptologists believe that the box under the pyramid was intended as Djoser’s resting place, since the one in the South Tomb was too small for an extended body.
Explorations and Discoveries
In 1842, explorer John Perring suggested that the large granite box beneath the pyramid had never been used as a tomb. The classic explanation for the missing mummy is that it was stolen after the pyramid was plundered. However, the South Tomb was found in good condition, filled with shaft, and a chamber above the granite box—an area later destroyed. Other coffers were found in deep burial galleries beneath the pyramid, including alabaster coffers containing human remains.
Sarcophagi of Other Pharaohs
The video continues by examining other notable sarcophagi. The unfinished pyramid of Sekhemkhet contained a sealed alabaster coffer, unique in its sliding-door design. When opened for the first time in 1954, the coffer was found empty, sparking ongoing mystery. Despite suggestions of robbery, there was no evidence of plundering.
Mastaba 17, near the Meidum Pyramid, holds the oldest granite sarcophagus in Egypt. Found in the 19th century with a skeleton inside, the bones were later lost. The sarcophagus is large and well-crafted, with a flat surface for the lid, though it remains uninscribed.
Sarcophagi at Giza
At Giza, the Great Pyramid’s sarcophagus is plain and unadorned. Its construction includes small holes and grooves likely designed to lock the lid in place. The video suggests that locking mechanisms in the pyramids’ sarcophagi seem unnecessary unless the pyramid was meant to be accessible at a later time.
Comparisons are made between Khufu’s sarcophagus and that of his son, Kawab. Kawab’s sarcophagus includes unique features such as grooves for ropes to facilitate lid movement. His granite coffer was embedded in the floor, making it harder to access.
Sarcophagus Security
The video outlines three main security features that make sarcophagi more difficult to plunder:
- Removal of bosses from the lid to prevent leverage.
- Securing the lid with a dovetail cut to obstruct upward lifting.
- Use of locking mechanisms such as pinholes.
Pharaohs’ sarcophagi often included these features, while mastaba burials of high-status individuals did not.
Pharaohs mentioned in the transcript, connected to their sarcophagi:
- Djoser (3rd Dynasty) – Sarcophagus found beneath his step pyramid, along with another granite box in the South Tomb within his pyramid complex.
- Sekhemkhet (3rd Dynasty) – Alabaster sarcophagus with a unique sliding-door design, found beneath his unfinished pyramid.
- Sneferu (4th Dynasty) – Associated with the Meidum Pyramid and Mastaba 17, where the oldest granite sarcophagus in Egypt was found.
- Khufu (4th Dynasty) – Sarcophagus found in the Great Pyramid of Giza, plain and uninscribed.
- Kawab (4th Dynasty) – Son of Khufu, his granite sarcophagus was found in a mastaba near the Great Pyramid, featuring a unique lid design.
- Khafre (4th Dynasty) – Sarcophagus found in his pyramid at Giza, plain but well-preserved.
- Menkaure (4th Dynasty) – Sarcophagus, once a rare masterpiece, is now lost at sea.
- Shespseskaf (4th Dynasty) – Sarcophagus fragments found, undecorated.
- Userkaf (5th Dynasty) – Sarcophagus fragments found, undecorated.
- Sahure (5th Dynasty) – Sarcophagus fragments found, undecorated.
- Djedkare (5th Dynasty) – Sarcophagus fragments found, undecorated.
- Unas (5th Dynasty) – Sarcophagus, undecorated but in good condition.
- Teti (6th Dynasty) – Sarcophagus was unsquared and not polished in areas lacking inscriptions.
- Pepi I (6th Dynasty) – Sarcophagus was simple and unsquared.
- Merenre (6th Dynasty) – Sarcophagus was of high quality and finish.
- Pepi II (6th Dynasty) – Sarcophagus was of high quality and finish.
These pharaohs’ sarcophagi varied in craftsmanship and decoration, reflecting changes over time in burial practices.
Design Variations and Conclusions
The design of sarcophagi varied widely, with many personal or artisanal choices influencing their appearance. The video points out the absence of elaborate decoration on pyramid sarcophagi, in contrast to those found in mastabas.
The video closes with a return to Sekhemkhet’s empty sarcophagus, suggesting that it may have been designed for temporary use. The sealed passageways and the intact sarcophagi at Giza are further evidence of a complex relationship between the pharaohs and their pyramids.
