Unas (Unis)(c. 2356 - 2323 BC) was the last king of the Fifth Dynasty. The pyramid
dedicated to this king lies to the south of the Step
Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara. The Pyramid of Unas (Unis) is in
poor condition however, the burial chambers are worth the visit. In this chamber, you will find
the earliest Egyptian funerary texts carved into the walls and filled with a blue pigment. These
are referred to as the Pyramid Texts. They are the rituals and hymns that were said during the
burial. Before this time, nothing was engraved in the walls of the pyramids.
The pyramid, when it was complete stood about 62 ft (18.5 m). The core of the pyramid was
loose blocks and rubble and the casing was of limestone. Today it looks like a pile of dirt and
rubble, especially from the east side. Although the outside of the pyramid is in ruin, the inside is
still sound. You may enter the pyramid from the north side. Trying to block the way, are three
huge slabs of granite. Once inside the chamber, you will find the Pyramid Texts that were
intended to help the pharaoh's soul in the afterworld. They were to help the soul find Re, the
sun god.
 |
Design, Layout and Graphic Art by Jimmy Dunn, an InterCity Oz, Inc. Employee
All content, Graphic Art, Design, Layout, and Scripting Code Copyright 1996 by InterCity Oz, Inc.