Ancient pyramid-shaped masonry structures located in Egypt are known as Egyptian pyramids. There are three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex, but the Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest. During the Old and Middle Kingdoms of ancient Egypt, these pyramids served as tombs for pharaohs and their consorts.
Their construction and design were intended to protect the pharaoh's body and belongings and house their ka after death. The pyramid's shape itself symbolized the pharaoh's union with the god Horus. The pyramids are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Egypt and are regarded to be among the Ancient World's Seven Wonders World despite their age
The Sphinx and the Pyramids of Pharaoh Khufu, which are both at Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest and biggest of the three pyramid in the Giza complex, is the most well-known of them. The Great Pyramid of Giza includes over 2.3 million stone blocks and is said to have taken 20 years to build.
The Old and Middle Kingdom eras of ancient Egypt saw the construction of the pyramids as tombs for the pharaohs and their wives.
The pyramid shape itself symbolized the pharaoh's union with the god Horus, who was believed to have been the first pharaoh and the god of the sky.
The ancient Egyptians believed that by building a pyramid for the pharaohs, they could ensure their safe passage to the afterlife.
The pyramids were not only used as tombs but also as places of worship and pilgrimage, and were closely associated with the pharaoh's journey to the afterlife.
The internal structure of pyramids consisted of corridors, chambers, and trenches, which were intended to protect the pharaoh's body and his belongings from grave robbers.
The pyramid's structure was designed in a way to discourage tomb robbers from looting the pharaoh's tomb by creating a series of corridors and chambers that were meant to confuse and disorient the robbers.
The main burial chamber was located deep inside the pyramid and was intended for the final resting spot of the pharaoh's mummy.
A pyramid’s structure also included a number of smaller chambers, which were intended to hold the pharaoh's possessions and treasures, such as furniture, statues, and jewelry.
The pyramid's structure also included a number of false chambers and corridors, which were intended to mislead and discourage tomb robbers.
The pyramid's structure was also designed to align with the cardinal points and to face the rising sun, reflecting the ancient Egyptians' belief in the afterlife and the pharaoh's journey to the afterlife.
Pyramids were built to serve as tombs, as well as provide a place for the pharaoh's ka (a person's spiritual double) to dwell after death. The pyramid shape itself symbolized the pharaoh's union with the god Horus, who was believed to have been the first pharaoh and the god of the sky.
The construction of pyramids was seen as a way to ensure the pharaoh's safe passage to the afterlife and to protect the pharaoh's body and belongings from grave robbers.
The pyramids were also built to demonstrate the pharaohs' power and prestige and to reflect the wealth and grandeur of the Egyptian state. They were also built because of the religious beliefs of the Egyptians, and were believed to be a place of worship and pilgrimage.
Building pyramids was also a way for the pharaohs to leave a lasting legacy and gain immortality through their monumental constructions. The pyramids were also used as a form of propaganda to demonstrate the pharaohs' divine nature and cement their authority over the people
The pyramids were also a source of employment for the people, and it was seen as an important public works project that brought people together to construct these monumental structures.
View of the old tomb inside the Djoser Great Step Pyramid
The oldest of the Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramid Of giza is the oldest and biggest of the three pyramid in the Giza complex.
The ancient Egyptians believed that the pharaohs were divine and that by building a pyramid for them, they could ensure the pharaoh's safe passage to the afterlife.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is thought to have taken 20 years to build.
The ancient Egyptians used a technique called "lost-wax casting" to create the intricate hieroglyphs found inside the pyramids.
The Great Pyramids is the only wonder of the ancient world that exist even today.
In conclusion, the Egyptian Pyramids are a remarkable architectural achievement that reflect the ingenuity and skill of the ancient Egyptians. Also during Old and Middle Kingdom eras, these buildings served as graves for kings and their wives. The purpose of the pyramids was to protect the pharaoh's body and belongings, as well as provide a place for their ka to dwell after death. To this day, the pyramids continue to fascinate and inspire people from all over the world with their grandeur and mystery.
Great Pyramid of Giza
Q1. Who built Egyptian pyramid?
Ans. The Old and Middle Kingdom eras are when the Egyptians of antiquity erected the pyramids. From before the start of the Old Kingdom through the conclusion of the Middle Kingdom, the pharaohs were interred in pyramids of various sizes and forms.
Q2. How were the pyramids built?
Ans. Pyramids were built using a combination of techniques, including quarrying, transportation, and shaping of the large stone blocks, and finally assembling them to form the pyramid shape. The ancient Egyptians used ramps, pulleys, and levers to move and lift the heavy stone blocks into place.
Q3. How many pyramids are there in Egypt?
Ans. There are around 138 pyramids in Egypt, mostly located in the area around Cairo, known as the Giza pyramid complex. The most famous pyramids are the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure.