Sahure's temple had an elaborate drainage system including more than 380 metres (1,247 ft) of copper piping.
Rainfall captured on the roof was funneled out through stone lion-head spouts fit onto the tops of the outer walls.
The choice of the lion-head may relate to the ancient Egyptian belief that Seth and other inimical deities could manifest themselves in rain.
The lion, a symbolic protector of sacred ground, consumed the harmful spirits and ejected harmless water.
Where no roof existed, gaps around the base of the outer walls collected the water, conducting it out using channels cut into the paving.
Water and other liquids used in rituals and ceremonies, which had become impure and thus dangerous to touch, were removed using the drainage system.
Five stone and copper plated basins, each with a lead plug to fit the vent, were placed around the inner temple.
The first was found in the offering hall, two more were in the auxiliary rooms beyond it, a fourth in the corridor leading up to the offering hall, and the fifth in the northern magazine gallery.
These were connected via an intricate network of copper pipes laid beneath the temple, which lead down the length of the causeway before terminating at an outlet on its southern side.
Sahure's temple had an elaborate drainage system including more than 380 metres (1,247 ft) of copper piping. Rainfall captured on the roof was funneled out through stone lion-head spouts fit onto the tops of the outer walls. The choice of the lion-head may relate to the ancient Egyptian belief that Seth and other inimical deities could manifest themselves in rain. The lion, a symbolic protector of sacred ground, consumed the harmful spirits and ejected harmless water. Where no roof existed, gaps around the base of the outer walls collected the water, conducting it out using channels cut into the paving. Water and other liquids used in rituals and ceremonies, which had become impure and thus dangerous to touch, were removed using the drainage system. Five stone and copper plated basins, each with a lead plug to fit the vent, were placed around the inner temple. The first was found in the offering hall, two more were in the auxiliary rooms beyond it, a fourth in the corridor leading up to the offering hall, and the fifth in the northern magazine gallery. These were connected via an intricate network of copper pipes laid beneath the temple, which lead down the length of the causeway before terminating at an outlet on its southern side.
Pyramid of Sahure