The functional purpose of the cult pyramids during the Old Kingdom Cover Image

The functional purpose of the cult pyramids during the Old Kingdom
The functional purpose of the cult pyramids during the Old Kingdom

Author(s): Ahmed Rehema
Subject(s): Archaeology, Architecture, Social history, Ancient World, History of Religion, History of Art
Published by: Univerzita Karlova v Praze - Filozofická fakulta, Vydavatelství
Keywords: Subsidiary pyramids; satellite pyramids; cult pyramids; queens’ pyramids; Southern Tomb

Summary/Abstract: From the Old Kingdom onwards, a specific architectural element known as the Cult Pyramid was integrated into the royal funerary pyramid complexes. Unlike the other architectural components of the pyramid complexes, whose functions are well- established, the functional purpose of the Cult Pyramid remains ambiguous. Due to the lack of definitive and conclusive archaeological evidence, the scholarly debate on the subject continues to be a matter of contention. Consequently, this study reviews, analyzes, and refutes existing hypotheses to better define the true function of the Cult Pyramid based on available archaeological data and provides fresh insights into its significance, contributing to a deeper understanding of the Old Kingdom royal funerary architecture.

  • Issue Year: 2026
  • Issue No: 36
  • Page Range: 83-102
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: English
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