The tomb behind the Black Pyramid Wall - egymorte


The tomb behind 
the Black Pyramid Wall

The pyramid was in a state of disrepair but the rest of the complex remained intact. The remarkable preservation of the pyramid's surface is remarkable, as it was exposed to wind and weather for a long time dating back to the Marna period, nearly 500 years ago. The casing and supporting blocks of the pyramid had grooves built into their faces to allow the gypsum to escape when they collided. The Pyramid Temple was so deteriorated over thousands of years by severe natural disasters and the adjacent temple on the eastern side of the pyramid had even its foundations demolished. Archaeologist Arnold who had penetrated the pyramid through two entrances and the Pyramid Temple discovered some large supporting blocks made of fine Tura limestone.

The remains of the Southern Mazghuna pyramid, possibly Amenemhat IV's tomb

Along with the casing fragments a 35-40 centimeter dovetail wooden nail was found in the mortar. Researchers and the De Morgan team of archaeologists also discovered fragments of statues nearby. Among the numerous ruins there are also traces of the temple's existence including fragments of reliefs fragments of granite and limestone papyrus columns. Researchers and archaeologists have excavated a trench in this area. Further excavation may reveal more of the site and reveal that a chapel once stood to the north demonstrating that the pyramid was not simply a remnant of a temple ruin but a still-standing monument. The western staircase bears a striking resemblance to the eastern staircase likely constructed in the same manner. Two rows of large stone blocks along with numerous intact blocks were cut to create space for a canopic casket with an intervening tomb. It is suspected that someone had previously entered and cut through the upper level to access the tomb. 
 

However the numerous blocks of cement blocks tightly fitted and well-plastered were difficult to fit together so a passage through the original blocking to the burial site of the last queen was altered. The remaining enclosing wall resembles that found in other Middle Kingdom pyramid complexes a plain outer wall, a thick, plastered brick wall and a beautifully decorated inner wall was constructed at this elevated level. The inner wall is severely damaged built on foundations and likely constructed of white plaster. Researchers and archaeologists including Arnold discovered a large limestone block at the northeast corner and suspected that the foundation of the outer enclosing wall appeared to be hidden. The area behind it reaching the base of the pyramid was then leveled with sandstone and limestone. The recess decorations were consistent with the brick portion of the wall suggesting that the wall likely began with stone and ended with brick. The pyramid currently forms a steep hillside.The base block is buried deep beneath the casing and the damage makes it difficult to identify the casing and pyramid. The lever holes are located on the side of the block indicating that the block was inserted from the side not the front of the pyramid.


The corners of the pyramid present a problem. Although this pyramid has a two-tiered slope like its neighboring pyramids to the west researchers and archaeologists believe that the pyramid is rhombus-shaped. Judging from the slope of the walls the cladding, and the surviving brick blocks the tectonic plates are tilted and variably shaped resulting from the non-horizontal bearing surface of the blocks in the curved lower part of the pyramid. Below ground in the subterranean structure is a complex network of passages, well preserved. There are canopic jars but the king's body was not buried there. Four other burial chambers are in the subterranean structure but their identities are unknown. Two are believed to belong to King Amenemhet IV and Queen Sobekneferu.