The Discovery of the Lost Pyramid of Dahshur: a 4,000-Year Mystery

In February 2025, archaeologists made an extraordinary discovery in the necropolis of Dahshur in Egypt: a pyramid that had remained hidden beneath the desert sands for more than 4,000 years. This structure, which housed the remains of a hitherto unknown Egyptian princess, has revealed intriguing secrets and raised new questions about the history of Ancient Egypt.

Egypt | Archaeology | Lost Pyramid of Dahshur

The Site and the Discovery

Dahshur, located about 40 km south of Cairo, is one of Egypt's most important royal necropolises, known for housing some of the first smooth-sided pyramids, such as the Curved Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, built during the reign of the IV Dynasty pharaoh Sneferu. The discovery of the “Lost Pyramid” occurred during excavation work in a quarry, when workers found finely cut limestone blocks, indicating the presence of a hidden structure.

The Opening of the Sealed Chamber

The pyramid drew attention because it was apparently sealed, a rarity in Egyptian tombs, which have often been looted over the centuries. Following permission from Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, a team of archaeologists, led by British Egyptologist Dr. Chris Naunton, opened the burial chamber for the first time in millennia. The documentary Mystery of the Lost Pyramid, shown on the Smithsonian Channel, recorded the historic moment.

The Scenario of Chaos

Upon entering the chamber, the archaeologists expected to find untouched treasures and historical artifacts. However, they were met with a scene of disarray: displaced blocks, damaged structures and no valuables. The chamber had been looted, even though it had been sealed for millennia. This discovery led experts to describe the site as an “ancient crime scene”.

The Enigma of the Looting

The big question that arose was: how was the chamber looted if it was sealed? The most plausible hypothesis is that the looting took place before the pyramid was sealed. Dr. Naunton suggested that those responsible for the sealing may have tried to cover up the crime, creating what he called a “perfect crime”. This theory points to a possible period of political instability during the 13th Dynasty, when palace intrigues and corruption were commonplace.

The Identity of Princess Hatshepsut

Inside the chamber, archaeologists found a canopic chest with damaged hieroglyphics. Using advanced scanning technology, they deciphered the name of the tomb's occupant: Princess Hatshepsut, a royal figure from the 13th Dynasty who had not been recorded in any known historical document. The existence of a pyramid dedicated to her suggests that she played a significant role in the royal court, although her story has been erased.

Historical Implications

The discovery of Princess Hatshepsut and her pyramid opens a new chapter in Egyptology. It not only reveals the existence of a hitherto unknown royal figure, but also raises questions about the political and social dynamics of the 13th Dynasty. Why was his memory erased? Who ordered the looting of his tomb? These questions remain unanswered, but they highlight the complexity of Egyptian history.

Conclusion

The Lost Pyramid of Dahshur is a reminder that Egypt still holds many secrets beneath its sands. This discovery not only enriches our understanding of Egyptian civilization, but also challenges us to rethink what we know about its dynasties and historical figures. As archaeologists continue to investigate the site, new revelations may emerge, rewriting parts of the history we thought we knew.

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