The Pyramid complex of Khentkaues at Abusir is one of the smaller complexes to be seen at the site. It, however, is one of great interest. It belonged to Khentkaues 2( perhaps a descendant of the 4th dynasty Great Royal Wife).

The site itself at this time is in very poor condition. The main pyramid is destroyed, leaving the substructure open. The burial area was very simple in design. It had an entrance at the northern side of the pyramid which led to a gallery-like corridor. That corridor ended with a portcullis, which blocked access to the burial chamber. The burial chamber is rectangular in shape. It may or may not have had a flat ceiling.

The Mortuary Temple is also in very poor condition, but it does have many of the features which would delineate a floor plan. At it's eastern side there was an entrance which had some large magazines (storehouses) to the north and some work areas to the south. As the temple progresses in a westerly direction, a secondary entrance leads into an open aired columned hall and then changes into a chapel like area that sided against the main pyramid.

In this temple area there once was a very small satellite pyramid that was constructed on the south-eastern part of the complex.

It should be noted that, like her earlier namesake, this Khentkaues was also shown is king-like garb. She was either the mother of 2 kings or was(theoretically)a ruler in her own right*.



*this is highly circumstancial an cannot be proved at this time.*




Recommended reading: Abusir:Realm of Osiris by Miroslav Verner, The Complete Pyramids by Mark Lehner.

Both volumes have loads to contribute about the Abusir cemetary.

M.H.