The Pyramid of Amenemhat I is a monumental tomb of a 12th Dynasty pharaoh, constructed around 1990 BCE. It represents a shift from the massive stone structures of the Old Kingdom to the more pragmatic architectural approach of the Middle Kingdom. Originally, it stood 55 meters tall with a base of 83 meters and a slope angle of 54°. Builders used mudbrick, limestone rubble, and even repurposed blocks from older monuments—including stones believed to come from the pyramids of Khufu and Unas—showcasing the resourcefulness of the period.
Inside, inclined passageways and vertical shafts lead to a burial chamber once protected by large granite blocking stones. The associated temple featured depictions of Nile deities, and tombs of royal relatives and officials surrounded the complex. Today, much of the structure has collapsed, and the internal chambers are submerged due to groundwater. Archaeological exploration began in 1882 and continues to yield insights into Middle Kingdom craftsmanship and funerary practices.