r. At one point, it was surrounded by an elaborate complex of buildings, now partially restored, whose function related to the cult of the dead (Edwards, 1987)The next phase of development is represented by the 93-305 foot high pyramid at Maydum, built at the order of Snefru, founder of the 4th dynasty (c.2613-c.2498 BC). This structure was designed as a step pyramid; later the steps were covered with a smooth tone facing to produce sloping sides. Snefru also built the pyramid at Dahshur. Halfway between its base and apex its inclination was changed, so that it is bent in appearance (Edwards, 1987).A characteristic feature of all classical Egyptian pyramids, including those of Snefru, is a temple complex, comprising a lower or valley temple at a short distance from the pyramid and connected by a cause way with a mortuary temple, situated adjacent to the pyramid. The most elaborate example of the temple complex is found at Giza, where the 4th-dynasty pyramids of Kings Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus lie in close proximity to each other. The pyramid of Khufu, erected c.2500 BC, as mentioned priorly is the largest in the world, measuring 756 feet on each side of its base and originally measuring 482 feet high. Beginning in the 10th century AD the entire Giza complex served as a source of building materials for the construction of Cairo, and, as a result all three pyramids were stripped of their original smooth outer facing of limestone. The temples have disappeared, with the exception of the extremely well preserved granite valley temple of Khafre (Edwards, 1987).The last great pyramid of the Old King is that of Pepi II of the 6th dynasty (c.2345-2181 BC). In the following turbulent era (e.g. the First Intermediate Period, c. 2181-2040 BC), almost no pyramids were built. When King Mentuhotep II of the dynasty attained power (c.2060 BC), pyramid construction resumed. During the 11th and 12th dynasties until 1786 BC, Pyramids cont...
