THE ARCHITECTURAL COMPONENTS OF THE PYRAMID COMPLEX
Typically, a pyramid complex contains about 14 architectural components, each with a specific function and location. This form originates in Dynasty IV and continues throughout the Old Kingdom with little change except to accommodate a new cult of for topographical reasons.
1. THE PYRAMID
About 97 pyramids still mark the desert edge of the Nile valley, and about 12 more exist but lack their superstructures. Often pyramids function as burial places for kings and queens with the burial chamber usually located underneath the pyramid. The chambers for Snofru and Khufu are exceptions. Other pyramid types are called ritual or satellite pyramids. They are connected with the cult of the king.
2. THE ENCLOSURE WALLS
Each pyramid has at least two enclosure walls, the inner one marking the boundaries of the court and the outer one demarcating the sacred area of the whole complex. The walls are built of stone rubble. Enclosure walls dating to the Old Kingdom are not inscribed, but those of the Middle Kingdom bear the king's titles, such as those of King Sesostris I at Lisht.
3. THE UPPER TEMPLE
Also known as the mortuary or funerary temple, the upper temple is located on the east side of the- pyramid-the only exception is that of Wsrkaf (Dynasty V) at Saqqara. In Dynasty TV the upper temple has a simple plan. From Dynasty V onwards additional, magazines enlarge the north and South sides of the temple.
4. SUBSIDIARY PYRAMIDS
Usually located on the south side of the main. pyramid, these smaller pyramids function either as the burial of the king's wife or mother or as a satellite pyramid. Sometimes they located elsewhere for topographical reasons.
5. BOAT PITS
Located around the pyramid and causeway, boat pits can be numerous, as in the case of Kh'asekh-emwy who has 12 near his enclosure. The number varies Unas has two boats while Khufu and Khafre each have five; yet Menkaure and others have none.
6. WORKSHOP
Evidence from the workshop areas shows that statues, stone and pottery vessels, flint-knives and other equipment necessary for the maintenance of the cult were made within the complex. Also, bread and beer were made here to feed the personnel at the pyramid cities.
7. CAUSEWAY
This sloping roadway connects the upper and lower temples. The sole evidence for a roofed causeway belongs to Khufu's complex. From his reign onwards, the causeways are decorated with wall reliefs. They are most abundant on the causeways of Dynasties V and VI.
8. THE LOWER TEMPLE
This temple, also known as the valley temple, takes its name from its location at the edge of the agricultural floodplain. Of the eight known examples, the earliest accompanies the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur. The most complete temple belongs to Khafre.
9. THE PYRAMID CITY
Located near the lower temple, the city housed the personnel who maintained the cult of the king and was directed by an. overseer. The city always bears the same name as the pyramid. Remains of pyramid cities exist at Dahshur, Giza and Kahun.
10. THE HARBOUR
During the pyramid's construction, stones, labourers and officials moved through the harbour and canal, located in front of the lower temple. After construction, the port brought in products needed for the maintenance of the cult of the deceased king. We have discovered the harbours for Khufu and Khafre.
11. THE ESTATE
The funerary complex produced its own agricultural and animal products on a farm located on the fertile flood plain. Half of the produce went to people living in the pyramid city; the rest went to the sustenance of the living king. This estate was also known as the king's funerary domain and as a wakf in Arabic.
12. THE PALACE
Archaeological and textual evidence prove that the king lived in a palace near his pyramid. From here he ruled the country and supervised the building of his pyramid during his lifetime. The first piece of evidence is the location of the Archaic capital Inb-hd, found near the royal tombs at North Saqqara. The Abusir Papyrus also indicates that King Djedkare-Issesi. lived near his pyramid. Furthermore, there is no evidence for an Old Kingdom settlement at Memphis but there is a large settlement at Giza, about three square kilometres in size, which is likely the location of the administration city and palace. Therefore, the palace of the Old Kingdom kings was not at Memphis as is commonly suggested. Lastly, the importance of the pyramid's construction as a national project would necessitate that the king live nearby. King Amenemhet I, for example, moved his capital from Thebes to Lisht to be near his pyramid, leading me to believe that his undiscovered capital of It-tawi might be found at Lisht.
13. THE WORKMEN'S COMMUNITY
Here lived the workmen and the artisans who were involved in the construction of the pyramid.
14. R-S (MOUTH OF THE LAKE)
The area in. front of the lower temple that encompasses the harbour and canals is the delivery area, known as " the Mouth of the Lake "
