The construction techniques of the Pyramid of Kafre are still unresolved.
Viewpoints include :
1. It was constructed in the style of the Bent Pyramid - casing stones dressed in situ. However, this doesn't allow for the granite casing stones at the bottom which are similar to the Great Pyramid in shape and size but of granite and not limestone.
2. It was constructed in the style of the Great Pyramid which allows for the independent casing stones at the bottom but which cannot explain the integrated casing stones towards the apex.
The following image shows three separate facets of construction.
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The Top Layer consists of casing stones in situ.
The Middle Layer consists of core blocks but are deeply recessed.
The Base Layer consists of core blocks as per other pyramids.
Why is the middle layer so deeply recessed? It does not seem to be a logical transition from the Base Layer to the Apex Layer.
And why is there such an absence of any large casing stones below the Apex Layer?
![]()
An aerial shot of the Pyramid of Kafre appears to reveal a number of segments in the Base Layer.
![]()
If I were to draw rough lines along these segments they appear to be to be six in number and finish at the bottom of the Middle Layer.
![]()
Firstly, I would suggest that the Pyramid of Kafre was commenced as a six step pyramid or ziggurat and cased with granite blocks as found at its base (as shown below), up to the level of the Middle Layer in a similar style to that of the Great Pyramid.
![]()
Secondly, I would suggest that the Pyramid of Kafre was cased using the Integrated Method from the bottom of the Middle Layer to the Apex.
![]()
The reason for the absence of large stones in the Middle Layer is due to pilfering. The deep recess also accounts for the fact that integrated casing stones penetrate further into the structure than the veneer type which were used below.
Whether or not the Apex Layer stones were "shaved" or dressed at ground level remains unclear. However, evidence of "shaving" on other pyramids cannot necessarily be extrapolated onto the Pyramid of Kafre.
PWH
Viewpoints include :
1. It was constructed in the style of the Bent Pyramid - casing stones dressed in situ. However, this doesn't allow for the granite casing stones at the bottom which are similar to the Great Pyramid in shape and size but of granite and not limestone.
2. It was constructed in the style of the Great Pyramid which allows for the independent casing stones at the bottom but which cannot explain the integrated casing stones towards the apex.
The following image shows three separate facets of construction.
The Top Layer consists of casing stones in situ.
The Middle Layer consists of core blocks but are deeply recessed.
The Base Layer consists of core blocks as per other pyramids.
Why is the middle layer so deeply recessed? It does not seem to be a logical transition from the Base Layer to the Apex Layer.
And why is there such an absence of any large casing stones below the Apex Layer?
An aerial shot of the Pyramid of Kafre appears to reveal a number of segments in the Base Layer.
If I were to draw rough lines along these segments they appear to be to be six in number and finish at the bottom of the Middle Layer.
Firstly, I would suggest that the Pyramid of Kafre was commenced as a six step pyramid or ziggurat and cased with granite blocks as found at its base (as shown below), up to the level of the Middle Layer in a similar style to that of the Great Pyramid.
Secondly, I would suggest that the Pyramid of Kafre was cased using the Integrated Method from the bottom of the Middle Layer to the Apex.
The reason for the absence of large stones in the Middle Layer is due to pilfering. The deep recess also accounts for the fact that integrated casing stones penetrate further into the structure than the veneer type which were used below.
Whether or not the Apex Layer stones were "shaved" or dressed at ground level remains unclear. However, evidence of "shaving" on other pyramids cannot necessarily be extrapolated onto the Pyramid of Kafre.
PWH