It is commonly accepted that the pyramids were built as tombs. However, except for Zoser's [V 012 / Step Pyramid], few authentic sarcophagi have been found and fewer still with evidence of a body having been inside. With the Meidum pyramid onwards, stealing a [G 021 / sarcophagus] would have been very difficult with entrances to inner chambers well above ground. Also, Snefru is credited with the completion of three pyramids. He could not have been buried in all three, therefore they must have served some additional function. Finally, the burials of Sekhemket, Queen Hetepheres and a third found in a shaft under Zoser's pyramid, yielded empty sarcophagi and they had not been disturbed by grave robbers. Although pyramids clearly had a funerary function, it is far from certain they served as tombs and to say this was their sole function is to ignore the evidence to the contrary.
