Bent Pyramid

The Bent Pyramid is an ancient Egyptian pyramid at the royal necropolis of Dahshur, approximately 40 km south of Cairo, built for the Old Kingdom pharaoh Sneferu around 2600 BC. Rising to 105 metres with a base length of 188 metres per side, it is distinguished by its change in angle: the lower portion rises at 54 degrees while the upper section shifts to 43 degrees, giving the structure its characteristic bent profile. This adjustment was likely made after signs of structural instability appeared during construction. As the second of four pyramids built by Sneferu, it represents a critical transitional form between step-sided and true smooth-sided pyramids.