Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III Cairo
The Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III, a Middle Kingdom marvel in Dahshur, showcases unique mudbrick construction and a complex interior labyrinth.
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Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III Cairo
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III, a Middle Kingdom marvel in Dahshur, showcases unique mudbrick construction and a complex interior labyrinth.
"A haunting contrast to its smoother counterparts, the Black Pyramid offers a unique glimpse into ancient engineering challenges."
Hire a Licensed Guide
Essential for entering the pyramid & understanding its history. They know the best routes and security protocols. :male_detective:
Prepare for Tight Spaces
The interior is narrow and steep. Not recommended for the claustrophobic or those with mobility issues. :arrowdown: :arrowup:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Labyrinthine Interior
Inside the pyramid
Explore complex underground passages and chambers, a unique architectural feat of the Middle Kingdom.
Exposed Mudbrick Core
Exterior of the pyramid
Witness the pyramid's dark, weathered mudbrick core, a stark contrast to its original limestone casing.
The Pyramidion
Egyptian Museum, Cairo
See the pyramid's original capstone, a solid basalt piece carved with solar and royal symbols.
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Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Interior
Beyond the Giza Giants
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hire a Licensed Guide
Essential for entering the pyramid & understanding its history. They know the best routes and security protocols. :male_detective:
Prepare for Tight Spaces
The interior is narrow and steep. Not recommended for the claustrophobic or those with mobility issues. :arrowdown: :arrowup:
Watch for Water Table
The burial chamber can be flooded due to a high water table. Be prepared to turn back. :droplet:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
You'll be navigating uneven terrain and steep inclines inside. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Hire a Licensed Guide
Essential for entering the pyramid & understanding its history. They know the best routes and security protocols. :male_detective:
Prepare for Tight Spaces
The interior is narrow and steep. Not recommended for the claustrophobic or those with mobility issues. :arrowdown: :arrowup:
Watch for Water Table
The burial chamber can be flooded due to a high water table. Be prepared to turn back. :droplet:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
You'll be navigating uneven terrain and steep inclines inside. :athletic_shoe:
Bring a Flashlight
Essential for exploring the dark interior passages. :flashlight:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Black Pyramid is an intriguing, though less visited, monument offering a glimpse into Middle Kingdom architecture. Visitors appreciate its complex interior and the exposed mudbrick core, providing a stark contrast to other pyramids. However, the challenging, narrow passages and potential for flooding in the burial chambers can be a deterrent for some.
"The Black Pyramid: A Testament to Middle Kingdom Ambitions
The Black Pyramid, located in Dahshur, Egypt, is a striking yet lesser-known relic from the Middle Kingdom (c. 1850 BCE). Built for Pharaoh Amenemhat III of the 12th Dynasty, its name derives from the darkened, weathered appearance of its mudbrick core, now exposed after the collapse of its original limestone casing. Unlike the smooth-sided pyramids of the Old Kingdom, this structure reflects shifting priorities in royal tomb design, blending traditional symbolism with practical adaptations.
Originally standing 75 meters (246 feet) tall with a base of 105 meters (344 feet), the pyramid’s steep 57-degree angle contributed to its structural instability. Poor foundation conditions and the use of mudbrick—a cheaper, less durable material than stone—led to significant subsidence and cracking even during construction. Despite these flaws, the pyramid featured an intricate interior with multiple chambers, corridors, and burial shafts, possibly intended for Amenemhat III and his queens. However, evidence suggests the pharaoh ultimately abandoned it for a safer tomb at Hawara.
The site’s subterranean complex includes elaborate traps and false passages to deter looters, yet it was plundered in antiquity. Today, the eroded, crumbling pyramid serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by Middle Kingdom architects. Its "black" silhouette, set against the desert landscape, offers a haunting contrast to Dahshur’s more famous Red and Bent Pyramids, symbolizing both ambition and the limits of ancient innovation."
Paul Wu
"Visited 11 October 2022
Included with the Cairo Pass
Dahshur is located approximately an hours drive south east from Giza.
The complex contains the Bent and Red Pyramids as well as the Black Pyramid.
While it is a ruin it is not able to be accessed by visitors and therefore can only be viewed from afar.
It is believed to have been built by Amenemhat III who reigned from 1860-1814BC.
It was built in a lower area at Dahshur and due to its mud brick core construction, ground water seeped into the chambers underneath the Pyramid eventually resulting in gradual collapse.
What is visible now is the inner core of the pyramid giving it its dark hue and hence its name of the Black Pyramid.
The stone casing has long been looted however the capstone for this pyramid can be viewed at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo."
S Hetherington
"King Amenemhat III built the Black Pyramid during the Middle Kingdom in Egypt (2040-1640 BC).[1] It is one of the five remaining pyramids of the original ten pyramids at Dahshur in Egypt. Not yet equipped for tourists."
OM DRQ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Black Pyramid is located in Dahshur, about an hour's drive southeast of Giza. You can hire a taxi or arrange a private tour. Many visitors combine a trip to the Black Pyramid with the Red and Bent Pyramids in the same area. :car:
Yes, it's a popular day trip from Cairo. You can easily combine it with visits to other pyramids in Dahshur and Saqqara. :calendar:
While walking between the pyramids in Dahshur is possible, it can be hot and time-consuming. Hiring a taxi or using a tour guide with transportation is recommended for efficiency. :bus:
Public transport to Dahshur is limited and can be challenging. It's generally easier and more convenient to arrange private transport or join a guided tour. :informationdeskperson:
The Black Pyramid is located relatively close to the Red and Bent Pyramids in Dahshur, making it easy to visit them all in one trip. :round_pushpin:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a ticket is required to enter the Dahshur archaeological site, which includes the Black Pyramid. The Cairo Pass may cover entry to this site. :ticket:
Yes, it is possible to enter the Black Pyramid, but it's often restricted and may require a licensed guide. The interior is a complex labyrinth. :key:
The Dahshur archaeological site generally follows standard Egyptian archaeological site hours, typically from morning to late afternoon. It's best to confirm current hours before your visit. :clock3:
While not always strictly enforced, having a licensed guide is highly recommended and often necessary for entry into the pyramid's interior. They can navigate the complex passages and provide historical context. :scroll:
Entry to the Dahshur site has a fee, and there might be an additional fee or it might be included with a guide for entering the pyramid itself. Check with your tour operator or local authorities for the most up-to-date pricing. :moneybag:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The interior is a complex labyrinth of narrow, steep passages, staircases, and chambers. It's dark and can be challenging to navigate, with some areas potentially affected by a high water table. :flashlight:
While generally safe with a guide, the interior can be challenging due to narrow passages and potential water. Be cautious and follow your guide's instructions. :warning:
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for walking and climbing. Light, breathable clothing is recommended due to the heat. :sneakers:
Photography is often allowed inside, but check for any specific restrictions. Be mindful of others and use a flashlight if needed. :camerawithflash:
The Black Pyramid is made of mudbrick with a limestone casing (now mostly gone), giving it a darker appearance. It also features a more complex interior labyrinth and was built with a steeper angle, leading to structural issues. :mag:
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior offers dramatic views of the crumbling mudbrick core against the desert sky. Inside, capture the unique angles of the passages and chambers. :camera:
It can be challenging due to low light conditions. Bringing a good flashlight and a camera with good low-light performance is recommended. :iphone:
Drone usage is generally restricted at archaeological sites in Egypt. It's best to check with local authorities or your tour operator for current regulations. :noentrysign:
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the best contrast and softer shadows on the pyramid's exterior. :sunrise:
Focus on the texture of the mudbrick and the scale of the structure. Inside, emphasize the labyrinthine nature of the passages. :art:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
+1 Visiting this site offers a unique opportunity to understand the practicalities and innovations of ancient engineering, as well as the ongoing battle against tomb robbers. 🚶 Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture and Engineering of the Black Pyramid
The interior of the Black Pyramid is renowned for its complex labyrinthine design. It features multiple corridors, chambers, and false passages, intended to deter tomb robbers. This intricate underground network was a departure from the simpler internal layouts of earlier pyramids. However, even these sophisticated security measures were ultimately unsuccessful, as the pyramid was plundered in antiquity. The challenging nature of the interior, with its narrow passages and steep inclines, is a key aspect of the visitor experience today.
+1Despite its structural issues and eventual abandonment by Amenemhat III in favor of a tomb at Hawara, the Black Pyramid remains a crucial site for understanding the evolution of royal burial practices and architectural challenges faced by Middle Kingdom pharaohs. Its unique construction and complex interior offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian ingenuity and the limitations of their time.
Visiting Dahshur: Beyond the Black Pyramid
Visiting Dahshur offers a less crowded and more authentic experience compared to the bustling Giza plateau. You can often get closer to these pyramids and even enter some of them, providing a more intimate connection with ancient history. The Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III is also located here, offering a different architectural style and a glimpse into the Middle Kingdom's pyramid-building endeavors.
When planning your visit to Dahshur, consider hiring a knowledgeable guide. They can provide invaluable historical context, help you navigate the sites, and ensure you make the most of your experience. Many visitors find that exploring Dahshur provides a deeper appreciation for the progression of pyramid construction in ancient Egypt.
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