Ancient site · Sohag
Pyramid of Ahmose
The last royal pyramid built in Egypt, raised by Ahmose I at Abydos as a symbolic tomb within an unusual funerary complex.
The story
The pyramid was erected in the reign of Ahmose I, around 1550-1525 BC, at Abydos in Upper Egypt. It was the last royal pyramid built in Egypt, as his successors also chose not to be buried in pyramids, and the only royal pyramid built from the outset as a cenotaph rather than a true tomb. Today it is completely ruined and looks like a low hill about ten metres high. It forms part of an unusual complex with a valley temple near the Nile, at least four temples around the pyramid, a pyramid for the king's grandmother Tetisheri, a symbolic tomb of Osiris and a terrace temple. The complex was excavated between 1899 and 1904, and further work has continued since 1993.
Good to know
- It was the last royal pyramid built in Egypt.
- It was built from the start as a cenotaph rather than an actual royal tomb.
- It now stands only about ten metres high after being ruined.