Differing Designs Determining the Architectural Changes in the Mortuary Complexes of the Fifth Dynasty Kings

Abstract

The mortuary complexes of the Fifth Dynasty Kings have received greater attention in recent years, and this paper contributes to the growing study of these often forgotten monuments. Primarily this paper will determine the differences between each of the confirmed mortuary complexes of the Fifth Dynasty kings. This does not include the complexes of Shepseskare and Menkauhor who have yet to have their complexes formally identified. Through analysing the architectural changes across the dynasty the role of the Fifth Dynasty in the evolution of mortuary complex architecture development, within the Old Kingdom, can be determined. Design experimentation is present, and by the complex of Djedkare there appears to be a culmination in major architectural development within this period. It has been stated that the mortuary complexes of the Fifth Dynasty kings followed a standardised architectural plan, or at the very least featured very little change. Until now this has gone largely unchallenged. However upon closer examination of these complexes it becomes apparent that this may not be true. Architectural aspects such as a hypostyle hall found only within the complex of Raneferef, or the unique entrance to Djedkare’s mortuary temple which is flanked by ‘proto-pylons’ are examples of individuality within the complexes. The satellite pyramids that have been seen as a standardised element of the Fifth Dynasty mortuary complexes are not always present and evidence pertaining to the valley temples is limited, emphasising further issues with the ideas of standardisation. Through differing architectural elements such as these, this paper attempts to highlight the issues with the idea of the standardised complex, and argue that within the Fifth Dynasty these mortuary complexes of the kings showed great variation, continued architectural evolution, and featured only a small amount of standardisation.