EGYPT. THE BENT PYRAMID OF SNEFERU AT DAHSHUR. THE UPPER CHAMBER – THE CHAMBER OF DEATH

Abstract

The article investigates the design and the purpose of the Upper chamber of the Bent Pyramid of Sneferu. The author proves that the Upper chamber was a false tomb of the Pharaoh. The chamber served as bait for thieves and was designed to kill them with carbon dioxide in the confined space. Repetitive "reconstructions" of the chamber were performed to reduce the volume of air suitable for breathing. The portcullis, when triggered, ensured the airtightness of the chamber. The article establishes the connection between the ways of the portcullis conjugation in the Sneferu Pyramid and a modern labyrinth seal. A new version of the purpose and the motive for construction of the connecting tunnel between the upper and lower tiers of the premises is offered. It is proved that the top tier consisting of the chamber, the wells and the portcullis represent a cunning trap. The article concludes that a new kind of a human trap was invented in Egypt and successfully implemented in the Bent Pyramid of Sneferu.