The Red (or North) Pyramid at Dahshur was built circa 2600 BC making it one of th first smooth sided pyramids. It was built by Sneferu in the thirtieth year of his reign, evidently because he was unhappy with the original attempt (the Bent Pyramid). It is called the Red Pyramid because of its ancient red graffiti. Second in size only to the Great Pyramid, it can be entered via a passage on the north face.
While tourists are allowed into the Great Pyramid, to avoid lineups and crowds, we did our "pyramid experience" here in Dahshur. It is a considerable climb up the pyramid to the entrance, and then a long climb down inside the pyramid itself. Especially for taller people, the climb is uncomfortable as you are walking down a slope bent over as the tunnel is only about 1.25 m high. The main chamber is then several meters tall with a corbelled ceiling. There are no engravings or pictures in the chamber, and no cameras were allowed.
Below you see the recently discovered capstone of the pyramid. It was probably originally covered in gold to reflect the first rays of the morning sun.
