In Photos: Egyptian Pyramid Predates Giza Landmark

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For posterity

ancient step pyramid in Egypt

(Image credit: Courtesy Tell Edfu Project at the University of Chicago’s Oriental Institute.)

University of Cambridge Egyptologist Hratch Papazian is shown here copying a short hieroglyphic graffito on the southern face, just above a child’s grave.

Protecting the past

ancient step pyramid in Egypt

(Image credit: Courtesy Tell Edfu Project at the University of Chicago’s Oriental Institute.)

In order to protect the pyramid a fence was built surrounding it. Funds to build it were provided by the American Research Center in Egypt and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

A work in progress

ancient step pyramid in Egypt

(Image credit: Courtesy Tell Edfu Project at the University of Chicago’s Oriental Institute.)

This image shows cleaning work being done on the western face under the supervision of Raïs Eslam from Gurna.

Owen Jarus
Owen Jarus
Live Science Contributor

Owen Jarus is a regular contributor to Live Science who writes about archaeology and humans' past. He has also written for The Independent (UK), The Canadian Press (CP) and The Associated Press (AP), among others. Owen has a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Toronto and a journalism degree from Ryerson University.