Egyptian Pyramids

The ancient Egyptians built pyramids for a very special reason. They believed that when a pharaoh (the king of Egypt) passed away, their spirit would journey to the afterlife and become a powerful god. To honor and protect the pharaoh's spirit, the Egyptians built gigantic pyramids as their final resting places. These pyramids were like massive tombs made of stone, designed to preserve the pharaoh's body and all the precious treasures they would need in the afterlife. 

The shape of the pyramid was important too, as the Egyptians believed it would help the pharaoh's spirit ascend to the heavens. So, the pyramids were not just magnificent structures, but also important symbols of the pharaoh's divinity and their eternal life after death. 

Notable Pyramids of Egypt

Great Pyramid of Giza:

The Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Great Pyramid, is one of the most famous and fascinating structures in the world. It was built around 4,500 years ago in ancient Egypt. The pyramid was created as a tomb for a powerful pharaoh named Khufu. It is the largest pyramid ever built and stands tall and proud at the Giza plateau. The Great Pyramid of Giza is made up of millions of huge stone blocks, carefully stacked on top of each other. It is a remarkable feat of engineering and a symbol of the incredible skills and creativity of the ancient Egyptians. 

Pyramid of Djoser

The Pyramid of Djoser, also known as the Step Pyramid, is an extraordinary structure that stands as one of the oldest stone buildings in Egypt. It was built around 4,700 years ago during the reign of Pharaoh Djoser. Unlike the smooth-sided pyramids we usually think of, this pyramid has six tiers or steps, giving it a unique appearance. The Step Pyramid was designed by Djoser's architect Imhotep, who was a brilliant thinker of his time. The purpose of this pyramid was to serve as a grand burial monument for Pharaoh Djoser. It marked a significant advancement in ancient Egyptian architecture, being the first monumental stone structure of its kind. Today, the Pyramid of Djoser stands as a remarkable testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the ancient Egyptians, allowing us to catch a glimpse of their rich history and architectural achievements. 

Ruins of the Pyramid of Djoser

Illustration of what the pyramid may have looked like



Take a virtual walk around the Pyramid of Djoser

Pyramid of Khafre

The Pyramid of Khafre is one of the most famous pyramids in Egypt. It was built around 4,500 years ago during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre. This pyramid is the second largest pyramid in Giza and is known for its iconic appearance. It is made of large blocks of limestone and originally stood at a height of over 470 feet. The Pyramid of Khafre is distinguished by the presence of a polished limestone casing on its upper portion, which has mostly eroded over time. It is surrounded by a complex of structures, including a mortuary temple and a sphinx statue. The purpose of this pyramid was to serve as the final resting place for Pharaoh Khafre and to honor his memory as a powerful ruler. Today, the Pyramid of Khafre stands as a magnificent testament to the grandeur and skill of ancient Egyptian architecture, continuing to awe and inspire visitors from around the world. 

Pyramid of Menkaure

The Pyramid of Menkaure is another remarkable pyramid in Egypt. It was constructed around 4,500 years ago during the reign of Pharaoh Menkaure. This pyramid is the smallest of the three pyramids located at the Giza plateau, but it is still an impressive structure. It was originally over 200 feet tall and was built using large blocks of limestone. The Pyramid of Menkaure is unique because it has three smaller pyramids called "Queen's Pyramids" built alongside it, which were intended as burial places for the pharaoh's wives. Despite its smaller size, the Pyramid of Menkaure showcases the intricate craftsmanship and engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians. Today, visitors can explore the pyramid and marvel at its impressive architecture, gaining a glimpse into the magnificent world of ancient Egypt. 

Bent Pyramid

The Bent Pyramid is a pyramid located in Dahshur, Egypt. It gets its name from its unusual shape, as the sides of the pyramid appear to have a distinct bend or slope. It was built during the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu, who was one of the early pharaohs of the Old Kingdom. The pyramid was originally intended to have smooth, straight sides like other pyramids, but during its construction, the angle of inclination was changed, resulting in the unique bent shape. This alteration was likely made to correct structural issues that arose during the building process. Despite its unconventional appearance, the Bent Pyramid stands as a testament to the ingenuity and problem-solving skills of the ancient Egyptians. It is an important archaeological site that offers valuable insights into the construction techniques and architectural experiments of ancient Egypt. 

Red Pyramid

The Red Pyramid is a pyramid located in Dahshur, Egypt. It is called the Red Pyramid because of the reddish hue of its limestone blocks. It was constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu, who was an influential ruler during the Old Kingdom period. The Red Pyramid is known for its impressive size and perfectly straight sides, making it one of the most well-preserved pyramids in Egypt. It is considered to be one of the earliest successful attempts at building a true pyramid. The Red Pyramid was built as a burial tomb for Pharaoh Sneferu and served as a model for the subsequent pyramids constructed in Egypt. It stands as a testament to the advanced engineering and architectural skills of the ancient Egyptians and continues to awe visitors with its grandeur and historical significance. 

Pyramid of 

Amenemhat III

The Pyramid of Amenemhat III is located in Dashur, Egypt. It was built during the Middle Kingdom period by Pharaoh Amenemhat III, who was a prominent ruler of Egypt. The pyramid is unique in its design, featuring a bent shape with a concave sides, which gives it a distinctive appearance. It is believed that this unusual shape was a result of construction challenges and attempts to stabilize the structure. Despite its unconventional shape, the Pyramid of Amenemhat III served as a grand burial monument for the pharaoh and was surrounded by a complex of other structures. Inside the pyramid, there were various chambers and passages, including the burial chamber where the pharaoh's sarcophagus would have been placed. The pyramid stands as a testament to the engineering and architectural accomplishments of the ancient Egyptians and provides valuable insights into their beliefs and culture. 

Step Pyramid of Meidum

The Step Pyramid of Meidum is located in Meidum, Egypt. It is one of the earliest pyramids in Egypt, dating back to the Old Kingdom period. The pyramid was originally built for Pharaoh Sneferu, who wanted to create a grand burial monument for himself. What makes the Step Pyramid of Meidum unique is its stepped structure, which is believed to have been an intermediate step in the evolution of pyramid construction. The pyramid started as a step pyramid but was later modified into a true pyramid with smooth sides. However, the transformation was never completed, resulting in the pyramid's distinctive appearance with a series of steps leading up to a flat top. Despite its incomplete state, the Step Pyramid of Meidum showcases the architectural skills and innovative ideas of the ancient Egyptians. It stands as a testament to their engineering prowess and serves as a glimpse into the early development of pyramid construction in ancient Egypt. 

I don't suggest or condone illegally scaling an archeologic marvel like the Great Pyramid. I am including this video so you can see the scale of each block and the surrounding area. 

Information compiled in this site come from the following sources; British Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian Institute, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Acropolis Museum, Encyclopedia Britannica, Egypt Time Travel, Journey to Egypt, Getty Institute, Boston Museum of Fine Art 

If you have edits you would like to suggest, please email Michael.Veley@ship.k12.pa.us