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Information on
Egyptian Pyramids
Pyramids are large structures Ancient peoples in several parts of the
world built, but the Egyptians constructed the biggest and most famous
pyramids. The ancient Egyptians built more than 90 royal pyramids, from
about 2630 BC until about 1530 BC. During that time, the pyramid form
evolved from a series of stepped terraces to sloped pyramidal shape. The
first pyramid, the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, was constructed during the reign
of King Djoser (Zoser) (2630 BC-2611 BC). The largest pyramid is the one
built for King Khufu, in Giza. Khufu’s pyramid, known as the Great Pyramid,
is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the World that still survives.
Egyptian pyramids served as tombs for kings and queens. After a ruler died,
his or her body was carefully treated and wrapped to preserve it as a mummy.
According to ancient Egyptian belief, the pyramid, where the mummy was
placed, provided a place for the king to pass into the afterlife. In temples
nearby, priests performed rituals to nourish the dead monarch’s spirit,
which was believed to stay with the body after death. In the Old Kingdom
Egyptian artists carved hieroglyphs on the walls of the burial chamber,
designed to safeguard the dead monarch’s passage into the afterlife. These
hieroglyphic writings, which include hymns, magical spells, instructions on
how to act in front of the gods, and other pieces of useful knowledge, are
known as the Pyramid Texts.
