El-Lahun - Pyramid of Sesostris II

1.25mi/2km northeast of El-Lahun, in the desert, is the Pyramid of Sesostris II (Senwosret), the structure of which is considerably different from that of earlier pyramids. Over a stone core some 30ft/12m high, which can be seen at several points, was built a framework of cross walls constructed of huge limestone blocks, the intervening spaces being filled by limestone bricks. Over this was a superstructure, also of brick. The whole pyramid had a casing of limestone, of which nothing now remains; the apex was faced with granite. The original base measurement was 351ft/107m. The pyramid also differed from the normal pattern in having the entrance on the south side and not the usual north side. From the entrance two passages ran down, constantly changing direction, to the granite clad tomb chamber containing the King's magnificent red granite sarcophagus and an alabaster offering table.