Brief information about the Userkaf Pyramid Complex, including the Pyramid itself and Satellite Pyramid, as well as the Neferheteps Pyramid, were described in our December-2012 expedition report.
One of the aims of our November-December 2013 expedition was to study the architectural features of the interior of the Pyramid of Userkaf.
Photos of the interior of the Pyramid of Userkaf, are published FOR THE FIRST TIME.
(Click on the camerd icon to see the photo from the exact location.)
3D model of the Pyramid of Userkaf
3D modeling: Alexey Kruzer
According to , the Northern Descending Passage of the Pyramid was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1991 and now has no original ceiling. The walls of the Passage are partially reinforced with modern masonry.
However, behind the modern door that hides the entrance to the Pyramid of Userkaf, there is a Horizontal Corridor, which preservation represent a striking contrast with what one can see outside. The Corridor is leading to the interior of the Pyramid: to the Antechamber and Storeroom. The ceiling of the Horizontal Corridor is completely made of blocks of pink granite, and the height of the corridor is quite consistent with human growth. The last two photographs of the second row show the view from inside the Horizontal Corridor towards the Pyramid entrance.
In front of the junction, leading to the Antechamber and the Storeroom, the pathway is blocked by a lowered vertical portcullis, made of pink granite. In the left upper corner of the portcullis, there is a manmade hole, and in the right niche of the portcullis - the absence of the Pyramid masonry.
It should be noted that the entire surface of the niche above the portcullis, as well as the gap in the masonry, are covered with a layer of soot. However, the gap leads nowhere. Most likely, it represents the result of an unsuccessful attempt of the ancient robbers to search for the hidden internal rooms of the Pyramid.
Behind the portcullis there is a Corridor with junction, leading to the Storeroom and the Antechamber. The walls and ceiling of the corridor are made of blocks of pink granite. The only block of gray granite, found in this Pyramid is located at the corner of the corridor junction.
The Storeroom represent itself a room of an unfinished stage of construction, as the tunnels dug into the bedrock foundation of Saqqara are unlined. The only finished structure in the Storeroom is its floor, made of white limestone slabs.
On the walls and ceilings of the Storeroom, cut in bedrock, one can see a great number of crystals, growing on the geological layers of limestone deposits.
When returning from the Storeooms to the Antechamber through the Horizontal Corridor, one can see the walls, lined with processed blocks of white limestone, without any traces of inscriptions or drawings on their surfaces.
The Western Passage of the Antichamber leads directly to the Userkaf's Burial Chamber, which walls are damaged by time and robbers and also do not have the slightest traces of any inscriptions.
3D panorama of the Burial Chamber of Userkaf.
Use mouse to rotate the panorama. Shift - zoom in, Ctrl - zoom out.
The sarcophagus of Userkaf is completely destroyed. Apparently, it must have been sunk into the floor of the Burial Chamber.
The Pyramid of Userkaf still hides in itself many questions, the number and direction of which increases as it is studied. And this is not a matter of one expedition ...
