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A traditional pyramid complex usually comprised of a pyramid, burial chamber, Mortuary Temple, Valley Temple, causeway, boat pits and subsidiary pyramids, with a variation of features in each complex. The pyramid itself was the focal point of the complex, which served to ensure the deceased king’s safe journey and survival in the afterlife. Throughout each dynasties, it is evident that the pyramid developed from the mastaba through to Djoser’s step pyramid then many of Snoferu’s experimental false pyramids and finally to the true pyramids at Giza and thus Kanawati stated “the Egyptian builders arrive at the final pyramidal after a series of experimental monuments developed from the basic mastaba shape” From D3 to D4, the core was made from local limestone and the outer facing with Tura limestone. Internal passages and chambers were usually lines with pink granite from Aswan. By D5, resources were dwindling and building materials were becoming less available and this is evident from examining the core of the pyramids which were now built from mud bricks and rubbles, and pink granite was now only used for lintels, jambs and columns. The pyramid also reflect religious significance of that time. Breasted believes that “…the king was buried under the very symbol of the sun god…the pyramid rose above…dominating the royal city below…it was the loftiest object which greeted the sun god…and his charming ray glittered on the shining summit”.
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