The Pyramids at Abusir

There are a total of seven pyramids at Abusir, which served as the main royal necropolis during the Fifth Dynasty of Egypt. The quality of construction of the Abusir pyramids is inferior to those of the Fourth Dynasty, perhaps signalling a decrease in royal power or a less vibrant economy. The Pyramids at Abusir are smaller than their predecessors, and are built of low quality local limestone.

The three major pyramids at Abusir are those of Nyuserre Ini (which is also the most intact), Neferirkare and Sahure. The site is also home to the incomplete Pyramid of Neferefre. All of the major pyramids at Abusir were built as step pyramids, although the largest of them, the Pyramid of Neferirkare, is believed to have originally been built as a step pyramid some seventy metres in height and then later transformed into a "true" pyramid by having its steps filled in with loose masonry.

Additional pictures:

• Abusir inspectorate sign
• Abusir stones used in buildings
• Niuserre false door in wall enclosure