In the construction, which is one of the world's earliest pyramids, researchers unearthed ancient artifacts, sarcophagi, and mummies. He also claimed that workers had discovered multiple sarcophagi inside the Bent Pyramid, many of which contained intact mummies as well as stone-cutting implements. The findings support his theory that the pyramid was used to preserve the bodies of high officials. The Bent Pyramid is one of two large pyramids found near Saqqara in Egypt (the other one is the Step Pyramid). It was built for King Khufu (Cheops on Greek and Egyptian maps), who took power around 2690 BC. His wife, Queen Henutsen, may have been buried alive with him because her body was never found. Some historians believe that the pyramid was built as a replacement for one of Khufu's predecessors that had been damaged in an earthquake. However, some experts believe that the damage to this predecessor was due to intentional demolition work. The Bent Pyramid is so named because its shape resembles that of a bent elbow. It is larger than the other pyramid at Saqqara, which has a base diameter of about 40 meters (130 feet). The Bent Pyramid is also taller than Khufu's other pyramid, which reaches up to about 381 feet - but only the top third of the Bent Pyramid is exposed. The remaining two-thirds are covered with smooth limestone blocks that were probably once painted red.