Anthony Wrote:
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> My issue with removing these mini-mids from the
> known chronology is that any of these "dummy
> pyramids" (as they are sometimes called) that have
> any kind of datable material at all show up as
> late third or early fourth dynasties.

Opinions differ. The ususal response is _probably_ 3rd dynasty and I didn't know the material was datable - any reference?
>
> I think, following Djoser, the pyramid became a
> symbol of kingship in many ways, and these dummy
> 'mids were built at various places along the Nile
> to honor the king. One of these 'mids sits on
> Elephantine Island, having been built by Huni.
> Elephantine is the ancient home of Khnum, the
> potter god who first created the gods (and man)
> from Nile silt. Khnum also controls the
> inundation from said location. Huni establishing
> a bond with Khnum... for whom his grandson was
> named. I don't see anything odd about that.

All very good but refer above.

> Based on certain architectural elements I see in
> the images, I have no reason to date them outside
> of that range, either.

What architectural elements, shape, size, material, location?
>
> In London, there are places that mark the spot
> where ueen Eleanor's coffin "rested" along a path
> from Lincoln to Westminster Abbey. These are now
> marked by towers with crosses on top. We know
> them as Charing Cross, King's Cross, etc. The
> mini-mids of Egypt may be something similar.

The majority are all close to pre-dynastic settlements although "a path" as you mentioned could be appropriate.

fmetrol
Graham Oaten

The great amount of labour involved in quarrying and transporting such a mass of masonry as even the casing, has always been a cause of astonishment - Sir Flinders Petrie.