The labyrinth sits angled roughly 20-25 degrees away from Amenemhat III's pyramid at Hawara, a puzzling offset given ancient Egyptians typically aligned monuments with precision. One speculative interpretation suggests the labyrinth may predate the pyramid itself. However, exposed stonework appears consistent with Middle Kingdom craftsmanship from Amenemhat III's era. Meanwhile, the mud brick pyramid continues deteriorating as groundwater rises in the Fayum.
Labyrinth structure offset 20-25 degrees from Amenemhat III pyramid
EgyptArchitecture
Key facts
- The labyrinth structure is angled roughly 20-25 degrees from the pyramid at Pyramid of Amenemhat III at Hawara
- This unusual offset is puzzling given ancient Egyptian monuments were typically aligned with great precision
- One speculative interpretation: the labyrinth may predate Amenemhat III's pyramid
- The exposed stonework appears to match Middle Kingdom stonework from the time of Amenemhat III
- The Pyramid of Amenemhat III at Hawara pyramid is built from mud brick and is deteriorating as water tables rise
Site mentioned
Sources
A Virtual Exploration of the Lost Labyrinthcasa.ucl.ac.uk
by N Shiode · Cited by 1 — Hawara Labyrinth which was built around 1800BC. To the south of the pyramid the king constructed a large cult complex (approximately 120 metres ...
The pyramid of Hawara (top) and its complex now ...researchgate.net
This magnificent funerary complex is sometimes recognized as the legendary Labyrinth in Classical writing. it had 3000 rooms connected by winding passageways.
Labyrinth of Egypten.wikipedia.org
The Labyrinth of Egypt was a structure, or temple, built south of Amenemhat III's pyramid at Hawara. Not much is known about its use, but it was probably a ...
Hawara Pyramid - History and Factshistoryhit.com
The Hawara Pyramid was erected by the Twelfth Dynasty pharaoh, Amenemhat III, ruler of Ancient Egypt from around 1860 BC to 1814 BC.
The lost Egyptian labyrinththe-past.com
Hawara is the location of the eroded mud-brick core of the pyramid of the Twelfth Dynasty pharaoh Amenemhat III
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