Red Pyramid

The Red Pyramid, also called the North Pyramid, is the largest of the pyramids located at the Dahshur necropolis in Cairo [1]. It is the third largest Egyptian pyramid, after those of Khufu and Khafre at Giza [1]. It is believed to be Egypt's first successful attempt at constructing a "true" smooth-sided pyramid [1]. The pyramid is named for the rusty reddish hue of its limestone, but it was not originally red – it was clad in white Tura limestone [1]. During the Middle Ages, much of the cladding was taken for buildings in Cairo, exposing the red limestone [1]. The Red Pyramid was the third pyramid built by Old Kingdom Pharaoh Sneferu [1]. The Red Pyramid is located approximately one kilometre to the north of the Bent Pyramid [1]. The Red Pyramid is 105 metres high, and 220 metres wide [1].