The Pyramid of Unas

Unas was probably the last king of 5th dynasty, but some archaeologists argue that he was the first king of 6th dynasty. Unas may have reigned for over 30 years?! 

His very unusual pyramid is located between the enclosures of Djoser's pyramid and Sekhemkhet's. 

What makes the pyramid of Unas unique?  

It is the smallest pyramid of all known old kingdom pyramids. Unas is also the first pharaoh to have his burial chamber inscribed with pyramid texts. Unas's chambers are the first since Djoser to be decorated: the chamber that contains the sarcophagus is covered with a gabled ceiling and golden stars like a starry night blanket!

Unas was very smart in choosing the location of his pyramid complex  

He took advantage of two natural features: long valley "wadi" for a nice paved route to his causeway and the path leading down to a lake which acted as a harbour for his Valley Temple.  

Unas's pyramid became a ruin by the time of the New Kingdom era! 

Son of Ramesses II and the high priest at Memphis left his inscription on the south side as evidence to his restoration work to revive the legacy of Unas. The restoration work of the Unas pyramid is one of many restoration projects carried out during the glorious New Kingdom.

The pyramid of Unas
The miniature Unas Pyramid 
Photo attribution: Dennis Jarvis. https://www.flickr.com/photos/archer10/2216713049
Sources:
Mark Lehner, The Complete Pyramids
Ahmed Fakhry, The Egyptian Pyramids

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