Ancient sources describe the famed Egyptian labyrinth at Hawara — Herodotus documented 12 roofed courts with 3,000 chambers (1,500 above, 1,500 underground), while Strabo noted colonnades, crypts, winding passages, and monolithic pillars. Diodorus Siculus believed this structure inspired the legendary Cretan labyrinth of King Minos.
Classical authors describe Egypt's Lost Labyrinth near Pyramid of Amenemhat III at Hawara
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Key facts
- Herodotus described the labyrinth as having 12 roofed courts with 3,000 chambers (1,500 above and 1,500 underground)
- Strabo documented colonnades, crypts, winding passages, and monolithic pillars at the site
- Diodorus Siculus believed the Egyptian labyrinth inspired the Cretan labyrinth of King Minos
- The structure was believed destroyed in antiquity, possibly used as a quarry after Roman rule
Sources
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