The Lepsius XXIV Pyramid is an Egyptian pyramid which was probably built for the wife of King Nyuserre Ini. The primarily destroyed 5th Dynasty structure is located in the pyramid field of Abusir, east of the Pyramid of Neferefre and south of the Pyramid of Khentkaus II.
Location of Lepsius XXIV Pyramid
Lepsius XXIV Pyramid lies in Abusir necropolis, Giza governorate.
Exploration
On his Egyptian expedition (1842-1845), the German archaeologist Karl Richard Lepsius identified a small pyramid site and gave it the number XXIV in his list of pyramids. Ludwig Borchardt, who explored the necropolis of Abusir six years later, considered the ruins mastaba or double mastaba and did not investigate it further.
A Czech team led by Miroslav Verner undertook exploratory excavations in 1980-81, 1987 and 1990, as well as a full excavation in 1994 and identified the complex as a pyramid with a cult pyramid and a mortuary temple, which they assigned to the time of the 5th dynasty King Nyuserre.
Identification
The inhabitant of the pyramid can not yet be identified since there is no direct evidence, as inscriptions remain. Nyuserre probably had the pyramid built for one of his wives, perhaps Reptynub.
Pyramid
With a base measuring 31.5 m x 31.5 m and a slope of 60°15′, the Lepsius XXIV Pyramid originally had a height of 27.3 m. According to recent research, the core structure of the pyramid was built in three layers. The masonry of the first layer consists of a stone casing, with the interior filled with sand, rubble and debris. A ramp structure oriented north-south and extending into the core structure was probably used to erect this layer.
The second layer again consists of an outer stone casing with several partition walls at oblique angles, made up of irregularly shaped stone fragments. The space between was also filled with loose debris in the same way as the first layer. The third layer no longer exists. According to Verner, the mixed technique increased stability. A cladding of fine limestone appears to have been attached later since the masonry of the mortuary temple touches the first core layer directly.
The masonry of the pyramid displays a large amount of construction graffiti. These graffiti regularly mention the Vizier Ptahshepses, who organised all royal construction under Nyuserre, which indicates that the pyramid was built during his reign.
Substructure
The substructure was laid out as an open grave, eventually covered over by the pyramid. The entranceway ran from the north and led to a burial chamber on an east-west orientation. The passageway has primarily been quarried away.
The burial chamber contained fragments of a pink granite sarcophagus, parts of the grave goods and the damaged mummy of a woman aged about 23, whose identity is unknown. She was probably the owner of the pyramid. Still, it is also possible that she is an intrusive burial from a later period since the remains of the mummy show traces of the removal of the brains. This mummification practice is only attested from the beginning of the Middle Kingdom. Accurate dating of the mummy by Radiocarbon dating is not yet available. The name of the tomb’s occupant is not attested.
In addition, the area of the burial chamber contains fragments of grave goods, like alabaster vessels, copper tools for opening the mouth ceremony and canopic jars.
Complex
The pyramid complex ruins can identify a small cult pyramid and a funerary temple. A wall surrounded the whole complex.
Cult pyramid
In the south corner of the complex is a small cult pyramid with a base of about 10 x 10 metres, which has largely been destroyed by extensive spoliation. Only some fine limestone cladding from the northwest and west sides remains intact. The orientation of these structures differs a little from the north-south orientation of the main form.
Mortuary temple
The mortuary temple is in the usual position on the pyramid’s east side and has a simple structure. Except for a false door on the side facing the pyramid, it seems unlikely that the temple was decorated with reliefs since no relief fragments were found.
The structure was destroyed mainly by spoliation in the New Kingdom and the Saite Period, especially on the south side, and as a result, reconstruction is no longer possible.
