Bent Pyramid Egypt – Unique Design & History of Sneferu’s Tomb
The Bent Pyramid (also called the Curved Pyramid or Crooked Pyramid) is one of Egypt’s most distinctive royal tombs. Rising from the desert at Dahshur south of Cairo, it marks a turning point in ancient engineering and the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu of the 4th Dynasty.
In this guide, you’ll find the Bent Pyramid’s location, height, history, why its angle “bends”, what’s inside, how to visit, and answers to top questions people ask about this Dahshur pyramid.
Key Takeaways – Bent Pyramid (Dahshur)
- 📍 Location: Dahshur, ~40 km south of Cairo — part of the Memphis & its Necropolis area.
- 🏛️ Builder: Pharaoh Sneferu (4th Dynasty), father of Khufu.
- 📐 Design: Two slopes — lower ~54° then upper ~43° — creating the famous “bent” profile.
- ⛰️ Height: ~101 m (332 ft); base ~188 m per side.
- 🧱 Purpose: Royal tomb and major step toward the first “true” smooth-sided pyramids (e.g., Red Pyramid).
- 🧭 Also searched as: curved pyramid, crooked pyramid, Bent Pyramid Egypt, Bent Pyramid of Sneferu.
What Is the Bent Pyramid?
The Bent Pyramid of Sneferu is a 4th-Dynasty pyramid at Dahshur, famous for its change in angle halfway up the structure. Engineers began with a steep lower slope (~54°) but altered the upper courses to a gentler angle (~43°) to stabilize the monument, producing its unique “bent” silhouette.
Standing around 101 m tall, it preserves large areas of original casing stones and represents a crucial step between earlier experiments (like step pyramids) and the fully smooth-sided Red Pyramid nearby.
History of the Bent Pyramid
The Bent Pyramid was built around 2600 BC during Egypt’s Old Kingdom by Pharaoh Sneferu, the founding king of the 4th Dynasty. Located at Dahshur, about 40 km south of modern Cairo, this pyramid is one of the earliest large-scale attempts at a smooth-sided pyramid.
It reflects the experimental phase of Egyptian pyramid construction, following the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara and paving the way for Sneferu’s later Red Pyramid—Egypt’s first successful “true” pyramid.
Unique Design and Architecture
What makes the Bent Pyramid so unusual is its double slope. The lower section rises at a steep angle of about 54°, but halfway up, the builders shifted to a gentler 43°. This sudden change gave the pyramid its distinctive “bent” shape.
Most scholars believe this adjustment was made to prevent structural collapse due to the steep original angle and instability in the foundation. The result preserved the monument, making it the best-preserved pyramid casing from the Old Kingdom.
Pharaoh Sneferu – The Builder
Pharaoh Sneferu is credited as the most innovative pyramid builder of ancient Egypt. He commissioned at least three major pyramids: the Meidum Pyramid, the Bent Pyramid, and the Red Pyramid. His experiments transformed pyramid architecture from step-sided to smooth-sided structures.
Sneferu was also the father of King Khufu, builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza. His architectural achievements in Dahshur were a direct precursor to Egypt’s most iconic monuments.
Inside the Bent Pyramid
Visitors can actually enter the Bent Pyramid, making it one of the few pyramids in Egypt open to the public. Inside, you’ll find two entrance corridors — one from the north face and another from the west face — both leading down to burial chambers deep within the structure.
The chambers are notable for their corbelled ceilings, rising high above, which helped relieve pressure from the massive stone blocks above. These features demonstrate the architectural transition between step pyramids and the perfected true pyramids at Giza.
Interesting Facts About the Bent Pyramid
- It’s the only Egyptian pyramid retaining much of its original polished limestone casing.
- The pyramid’s angle change makes it one of the most visually unique monuments in the world.
- Archaeologists discovered smaller satellite pyramids nearby, possibly for Sneferu’s queens.
- The pyramid complex includes remains of temples and causeways linking it to the Nile Valley.
- UNESCO recognizes Dahshur’s pyramids (including the Bent Pyramid) as part of the Memphis necropolis World Heritage Site.
Visiting the Bent Pyramid (Tickets & Info)
The Bent Pyramid in Dahshur is open to visitors as part of Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities initiative to showcase lesser-known pyramids beyond Giza. Entry requires a separate ticket in addition to the Dahshur necropolis ticket.
Bent Pyramid Tickets & Entry Fees
The Bent Pyramid in Dahshur is open to visitors as part of Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities initiative to showcase lesser-known pyramids beyond Giza. Entry requires a separate ticket in addition to the Dahshur necropolis ticket.
FOREIGNERS: Adult: EGP 200 (~$4) / Student: EGP 100 (~$2)
EGYPTIANS/ARABS: Adult: EGP 10 (~$0.20) / Student: EGP 5 (~$0.10)
Opening Hours
Daily from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
To reach Dahshur, most travelers take a taxi or join a guided Cairo day tour that includes the Bent Pyramid, Red Pyramid, and Memphis–Saqqara area. Comfortable shoes and water are essential due to desert conditions.
Comparison with Other Pyramids
The Bent Pyramid stands out compared to other famous pyramids in Egypt:
| Pyramid | Location | Unique Feature | Builder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bent Pyramid | Dahshur | Double slope, best preserved casing | Sneferu |
| Red Pyramid | Dahshur | First true smooth-sided pyramid | Sneferu |
| Great Pyramid | Giza | Tallest ancient pyramid, one of 7 Wonders | Khufu (Sneferu’s son) |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bent Pyramid
Why is the Bent Pyramid bent?
The builders changed the angle mid-way (from 54° to 43°) to prevent collapse, which created its unique bent shape.
Why was the Bent Pyramid built?
The Bent Pyramid was built as a royal tomb for Pharaoh Sneferu. It also served as an architectural experiment in the transition from step pyramids to smooth-sided pyramids.
When was the Bent Pyramid built?
The Bent Pyramid was built around 2600 BC during the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu, founder of Egypt’s 4th Dynasty in the Old Kingdom.
Who built the Bent Pyramid?
It was built by Pharaoh Sneferu, the founder of the 4th Dynasty and father of Khufu, builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Can visitors enter the Bent Pyramid?
Yes, it is one of the few pyramids in Egypt open to visitors, with two entrance passages leading to burial chambers.
Where is the Bent Pyramid located?
The Bent Pyramid is located in Dahshur, about 40 km south of Cairo, within the Memphis necropolis (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
What makes the Bent Pyramid special?
It is the only pyramid in Egypt that still has much of its original polished limestone casing and clearly shows the architectural transition from step pyramids to smooth-sided pyramids.
Conclusion
The Bent Pyramid of Dahshur is one of Egypt’s most fascinating monuments, marking a crucial step in the evolution of pyramid construction. Its unusual shape, well-preserved casing, and historical importance make it a must-visit site beyond the Giza Plateau.
Plan your Egypt tour package today and explore Dahshur’s pyramids — the Bent Pyramid, the Red Pyramid, and more — for a journey back to the dawn of Egyptian civilization.
