136) and enclosed in the masonry, the rest being smoothed and covered with large slabs, some of which still remain (Note 19).

The pyramid itself was 481 feet high and 755 feet wide, dimensions which the injuries of time have reduced to 454 feet and 750 feet respectively.

It preserved, until the Arab conquest, a casing of stones of different colours (Note 20), so skilfully joined as to appear like one block from base to summit.

The casing work was begun from the top, and the cap placed on first, the steps being covered one after the other, until they reached the bottom (Note 21).

In the inside all was arranged so as to hide the exact place of the sarcophagus, and to baffle any spoilers whom chance or perseverance had led aright.