Archaeologists have uncovered a step pyramid in southern Egypt, just a few decades senior than the oldest Seventh Wonder of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Giza, RT America reported.
Although the pyramid's existence was known by scientists, it was hidden under a thick layer of sand. In 2010, a group of archaeologists started excavation work to uncover the monument, according to a report by Live Science.
The initial results of its activity were presented by a group, led by Gregory Marouard, a research associate at the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute, at a symposium by the Society for the Study of Egyptian Antiquities, held in Toronto.
Built around 4,600 years ago, the step pyramid was 13 meters (43 feet) high. By now, it has transformed into about one third of that with its constructed blocks having pillaged throughout its centuries-long existence.
Built across central and southern Egypt by either the Pharaoh Huni (reign c. 2635-2610 BC) or Snefru (reign c. 2610-2590 BC), it is one of seven so-called "provincial" pyramids.
However, the purpose of the constructions remains a mystery. The most likely explanation rests behind Egypt's confirmation of using the symbolic monuments as pharaohs' divine powers, RT America reported.
"The construction itself reflects a certain care and a real expertise in the mastery of stone construction, especially for the adjustment of the most important blocks," said Marouard as cited by LiveScience.
The team of archaeologists was able to find the remains of an installation where food offerings appeared to have been made, prompting possible clues to the purpose of the building.
"These are mostly private and rough inscriptions, and certainly dedicated to child burials located right under these inscriptions at the foot of the pyramid," Marouard explained.
The pyramid was supposedly abandoned about the same time the building of the Great Pyramid of Giza started under Pharaoh Khufu.
