Tomb Behind the Black Pyramid Wall

Tomb Behind the Black Pyramid Wall

The numerous cement blocks tightly packed and well-plastered were difficult to reassemble so the passageway through the original blocks to the tomb of the last queen was altered. The remaining enclosing wall resembles those found in other Middle Kingdom pyramid complexes. A plain outer wall a thickly plastered brick wall and a richly decorated inner wall were built at this elevation. The inner wall was severely damaged as it was built on foundations and likely constructed with white plaster. Researchers and archaeologists including Arnold discovered large limestone blocks in the northeast corner and suspected that the foundations of the outer enclosing wall appeared to be hidden. 

The area behind the blocks reaching the base of the pyramid, was leveled with sandstone and limestone. The deeply recessed decorations are consistent with the brick portion of the wall suggesting that the wall likely began with stone and ended with brick. Two rows of large stone blocks along with numerous intact blocks were cut to create space for a domed sarcophagus with a tomb in between. It is suspected that someone had previously entered and drilled through the upper level to access the tomb. The pyramid now forms a steep hill. The base blocks are deeply buried beneath the frame and the damage makes it difficult to identify the frame and pyramid. The beam holes are on the sides of the blocks indicating that they were inserted from the sides not the front of the pyramid. Underground the structure contains a complex network of well-preserved passageways.There are Canopic jars but the king's remains are not buried there. 

There are four other burial chambers in the underground structure but their names are unknown. Two are believed to belong to King Amenemhet IV and Queen Sobekneferu. The Pyramid Temple has deteriorated significantly due to severe natural disasters over thousands of years. Even the foundations of the adjacent temples on the east side were destroyed. Archaeologist Arnold who penetrated the pyramid through two entrances and the Pyramid Temple found the pyramid in a state of disrepair but the rest of the building remains intact. The pyramid's surface remains in excellent condition having been exposed to wind and weather for a long time.