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The Fourth Pyramid
The Pyramid of Djedefre, or the so-called lost fourth pyramid, was constructed on a hilltop at Abu Rawash, from which the Giza Plateau is visible. Today, little is left of Djedefre's pyramid and there is no evidence to explain why it was built at Abu Rawash and not Giza, the site of the Great Pyramid, which was constructed for Djedefre's father, King Khufu. According to archeologist Zahi Hawass in Mountains of the Pharaohs: "The pyramid itself was planned as a relatively modest structure with steep sides& It is usually assumed that Djedefre did not have access to the resources commanded by his father and later by his brother Khafre; it is equally possible that he was fairly advanced in age when he came to the throne&and knew that he might not have time to finish a more ambitious project."
Researchers have also found remnants of a mortuary temple, boat pit, queens' pyramids, statues and a lengthy causeway around the pyramid complex. Although it's been speculated that Djedefre's pyramid was dismantled after his death because he was an unpopular figure, researchers have indicated a more likely explanation is that the pyramid was plundered for its stones by subsequent societies.
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