Evidence mounts that Sneferu was not buried in any of his three pyramids. Mastaba 17 tomb was robbed in antiquity, but bones and artifacts were left behind The sarcophagus and walls of Mastaba 17 are uninscribed Sneferu is credited with three large pyramids: one at Meidum and two at Dahshur
Mastaba 17 was robbed in antiquity but bones and artifacts were left behind. The sarcophagus and walls are uninscribed. Sneferu built three large pyramids, yet no mummy or sarcophagus was ever installed in the Red, Meidum, or Bent pyramids. The Red Pyramid's ruined floor was lowered by builders themselves but never finished. A fascinating puzzle! 🔺
Key Facts
- Mastaba 17 tomb was robbed in antiquity, but bones and artifacts were left behind
- The sarcophagus and walls of Mastaba 17 are uninscribed
- Sneferu is credited with three large pyramids: one at Meidum and two at Dahshur
- No mummy or sarcophagus was ever installed in the Red, Meidum, or Bent pyramids
- Stone sarcophagi were found in pyramids before and after Sneferu, but not in his three
- The Red Pyramid's ruined floor was lowered by pyramid builders themselves, not later robbers, and the work was never finished
Related site: Mastaba K2 (Beit Khallaf) — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: EXCLUSIVE: Pyramid King's Face Reconstructed: Sneferu Revealed! by Ancient Architects