THE DISCOVERY OF THE SATELLITE PYRAMID OF KHUFU
In 1991 we excavated an area on the east side of Khufu's pyramid to prepare, the site for visitors. Unexpectedly, we uncovered the ruins of yet another subsidiary pyramid, later distinguished as a satellite pyramid.
This pyramid extends over an area of some 34 square metres. Among its ruins we have the fine, Tura-quality limestone blocks from its outer casing and perimeter foundation, large blocks of the cruder limestone, and debris that once filled its core. The substructure is also preserved, featuring the T-shaped intersection of the passage and burial chamber that is normal for satellite pyramids dating to the period of Khafre and after Khufu.
Interestingly, we discovered that the ancient Egyptians had removed the masonry of the pyramid's core that once lay above the passage and chamber. These features lay unroofed and open to the sky due to plundering. The surviving superstructure, as we found it, consisted of two courses of irregular crude blocks set in a U-formation encircling, debris fill on the west, south and east sides. On the east and south sides, the pyramid's casing blocks of fine Tura limestone are preserved.
Written in red paint on the inside surface of one block set in the south wall is the notation, "imy rsy S3." This graffito, meaning "on the south (back) side," instructed the stone movers where to place the block.
The function of the satellite pyramid is debated among scholars. The many explanations include: it is for the king's Ka; it represents the king as the ruler of Upper Egypt; it is for the viscera of the King; it is a dummy room for the Sed festival, or it has a solar function. I believe that the room of the satellite pyramid was used symbolically as a changing room for the Sed festival.
