This impressive 4.5-ton basalt pyramidion (capstone) was discovered by Gaston Maspero in 1900 near the Black Pyramid. Remarkably well-preserved, its good condition suggests it was never actually installed on the pyramid top where wind and sand would have eroded it. Interestingly, the name of god Amun was chiseled out during Akhenaten's reign around 1350 BC, indicating the defacement happened while it was stored in a temple, not atop the pyramid. 🔺✨
Basalt Pyrammidion: 4.5-Ton Capstone Found 1900, Likely Never Installed
Site mentioned
📍 Black Pyramid of Dashur
Key facts
- Basalt pyrammidion (capstone) housed in Cairo Museum
- Found nearby the Black Pyramid in 1900 by Gaston Maspero
- Weighs approximately 4.5 tons
- Good condition suggests it was never exposed on pyramid top to wind and sand erosion
- Name of god Amun chiseled out during Akhenaten's reign (18th Dynasty, circa 1350 BC)
- Defacement likely occurred when pyramidion was in temple, not on top of pyramid
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