The Layer Pyramid

The Layer Pyramid is a ruined step pyramid dating to the 3rd Dynasty of Egypt (2686 BC to 2613 BC) and located in the necropolis of Zawyet El Aryan [1]. Its ownership is uncertain and may be attributable to pharaoh Khaba [1]. The pyramid was excavated at the beginning of the 20th century by two different teams who reported conflicting estimates regarding its size and number of subterranean chambers [1]. No artefacts were found over the course of the excavations, and no trace of a burial could be found [1]. For this reason, it is unclear whether the pyramid was used to bury a pharaoh or was abandoned following the premature death of the king [1]. The Layer Pyramid has a square base whose side is about 84 m long, slightly smaller than the step pyramids of Djoser and Sekhemket [1]. Based on the dimensions of the pyramid of Djoser, the egyptologist Jean-Philippe Lauer estimated that the layer pyramid was originally planned to comprise five steps and would have reached c. 42–45 m in height [1]. Today, only two of these steps remain, reaching a height of about 17 m [1].