The Pyramid of Seila
The pyramid at Seila (Silah or Sila) is located to the North Eastern part of the Fayoum city. It is sit to the south of Kom el-Hammam on the east of the Fayoum Oasis near to the necropolis of Maidum.
The step-pyramid of Silah is one of a group of similar structures scattered throughout Egypt ( Elephantine, Edfu, Hierakonpolis, Ombos, Abydos, Zawyet el Meitin and Silah) which have mystified archaeologists and deified the traditional definition aligned to Egyptian Pyramids since early times. Most Egyptian pyramids are clearly tombs with a burial chamber, sarcophagus and other funerary accouterments and they are part of a large complex, usually consisting of a mortuary temple and a valley temple linked by a causeway.
The Pyramid is different from the other pyramids as no internal chambers have been found but the central core of the pyramid is damaged and it is suggested that this may be the work of tomb robbers so it is possible that there were internal chambers when it was intact.
There are remains of a brick and stone portico which held an offering altar and statue have been found at the site implying that there was an active cult here at some point.
The remains of builders marks and inscriptions on a limestone stele and an offering table confirm that the pyramid was built by Sneferu’s name is inscribed within a cartouche whereas his name when recorded at the Bent Pyramid at Dashur is inside a serekh (palace facade). This has led to suggestions that the Bent Pyramid predates the Seila Pyramid.
Entrance fees : Free but you have to get a permit from the Antiquities Authority in Fayoum .
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