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There are two pyramids in Egypt that can be classified as the pyramid of Snefru. The builder of both these pyramids was the same person. Snefru belonged to the ancient lineage of the 4th Dynasty pharaohs. Hw was also the father of Khufu who is credited with the construction of the ancient 'Great Pyramid' at Giza. Snefru was also a pioneer in the architecture of pyramid building and was probably the first ruler in ancient Egypt to build a real pyramid and not just a mastaba. Snefru chose Dahshur as the location of both his pyramids, the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid.
The Bent Pyramid
This pyramid of Snefru was named “Snefru is shining in the south” and derived its present name from the shape of its structure. Archaeologists credit the pyramid's curious shape to the lack of a detailed plan for pyramid building. Sometimes, mysterious religious reasons are also cited. The curious structure led to the pyramid having two entrances; one towards the base, just above ground level and the other nearly 30 meters from the base. The southern side is blocked by a satellite pyramid and it is on the eastern side that the actual funeral temple stands.
Red Pyramid
The Red Pyramid is located to the north of Dahshur, which is diametrically opposite to the Bent Pyramid, located to the south of Dahshur. Snefru had named this pyramid “Snefru shines”, but its present name is drawn from the color of the limestone that was used to build the base of the pyramid. It is one of the ancient pyramids of Egypt to use technology in its construction and architecture, something that was quite rare at the time.
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