Detail View: Archivision Base to Module 9: Pyramid at Meidum
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Preferred Title:
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Pyramid at Meidum
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Alternate Title:
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Pyramid at Maidum
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Image View:
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Detail of the lower north face, showing large blocks and smooth limestone finish
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Creator:
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unknown (Egyptian (ancient))
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Location:
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site: Ahramat Maydum, Upper Egypt, Egypt
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Date:
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ca. 2600-2551 BCE (creation)
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Cultural Context:
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Egyptian (ancient)
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Style Period:
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Fourth Dynasty; Old Kingdom (Egyptian)
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Work Type 1:
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pyramid (tomb)
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Classification:
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architecture
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Material:
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stone
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Technique:
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construction (assembling)
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Subjects:
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architectural exteriors; death or burial; rulers and leaders; Egypt--Civilization; Egypt--Religion
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Description:
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Site of the first true pyramid in ancient Egypt. Maidum was first excavated by Flinders Petrie in 1891; it lies on the west bank of the Nile, 75 km south of Cairo. The pyramid was probably started by King Huni (reigned ca. 2600-ca. 2575 BCE) and completed by his successor, Sneferu (reigned ca. 2575-ca. 2551 BCE). It was originally conceived as a many-tiered structure, much like the earlier Step Pyramid of Djoser (reigned ca. 2630-ca.2611 BCE) at Saqqara. The design was subsequently changed to that of a true pyramid when the steps were filled in and the sides were evenly cased with limestone. Although portions of these angled sides still remain around the base of the pyramid, all that can be seen on the site today are some of the original steps, making the whole appear as a tower set on a hill formed of the fallen stone debris covered in sand. (Source: Grove Art Online; http://www.groveart.com/)
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Collection:
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Archivision Addition Module One
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Identifier:
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1A3-EG-MP-C5
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Rights:
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© Scott Gilchrist, Archivision, Inc.
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