Ancient Egypt Pyramid | Architecture, History & Construction

Some of the most amazing constructions that people have ever created are the pyramids from ancient Egypt. Today, we can still see and visit several of the pyramids.

Why were the Pyramids Constructed?

The pyramids were constructed as monuments and burial sites for the Pharaohs. The Egyptians held the belief that the Pharaoh required particular items in order to triumph in the afterlife as part of their religion. The Pharaoh would be interred deep inside the pyramid with all kinds of treasure and possessions that he might require to survive in the afterlife.

Various Pyramid Types

Some of the older pyramids, known as step pyramids, occasionally feature wide ledges that resemble enormous steps. According to archaeologists, the stairs were constructed as stairways that the pharaoh might use to go to the sun deity.

Later pyramids had flatter, more sloping sides. These pyramids stand in for a mound that first materialized in prehistoric times. The other gods and goddesses were made by the sun god when he was seated on a mound.

How big were the pyramids?

There are about 138 pyramids in Egypt. A few of them are enormous. The Great Pyramid of Giza, commonly known as the Pyramid of Khufu, is the largest. It was nearly 480 feet tall when it was first constructed! It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and for more than 3800 years was the highest man-made building. This pyramid is thought to have been constructed with 2.3 million rock slabs weighing a combined 5.9 million tons.

How were they Constructed?

Archaeologists have been attempting to unravel the enigma of how the pyramids were constructed for a very long time. Numerous slaves are thought to have been employed to cut the big blocks into smaller pieces and then transfer them carefully up the pyramid on ramps. Block by block, the pyramid would gradually be constructed. The Great Pyramid of Giza was constructed over a period of 23 years, according to scientists, by at least 20,000 laborers. Pharaohs typically began building their pyramids as soon as they assumed power because it took so long to complete them.

What resides within the pyramids?

The Pharaoh’s burial chamber, which is located deep inside the pyramids and would have been stocked with goods for the Pharaoh to utilize in the hereafter, is there. There were frequently paintings and carvings on the walls. There would be other rooms next to the Pharaoh’s chamber where family members and servants were interred. Smaller rooms frequently served as temples, while bigger rooms served as storage. A few narrow hallways led outside.

Sometimes tomb thieves might be duped by making up burial rooms or corridors. Grave robbers would attempt to break into the pyramid in order to steal the treasure because there was such great treasure hidden inside. Despite the Egyptians’ best attempts, by 1000 B.C. almost all of the pyramids had been looted of their riches.

Facts about the Great Pyramids that are Interesting

The Great Pyramid of Giza makes a fairly accurate northward pointing gesture.

All of Egypt’s pyramids were constructed to the west of the Nile. This is so because the western side was thought to be connected to the graveyard.

A pyramid’s base was always an exact square.

They were primarily constructed of limestone.

To deter thieves, traps and curses were placed on the pyramids and graves.