Egypt is home to an incredible number of pyramids, over 100 in total. The most famous pyramids are located at Giza, just outside of Cairo. These thre
Egypt is home to an incredible number of pyramids, over 100 in total. The most famous pyramids are located at Giza, just outside of Cairo. These three pyramids – the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure – are among the largest and most impressive pyramids in the world.
There are over 118 identified pyramids in Egypt. The earliest known Egyptian pyramids are found at Saqqara and were built during the Third Dynasty (c. 2686-2613 BC). The most famous pyramids are located at Giza and were built during the Fourth Dynasty (c. 2613-2494 BC).
What are the pyramids?
The pyramids are not just impressive for their size and scale; they are also incredibly complex structures. The Egyptians used advanced engineering techniques to construct the pyramids, and they were able to achieve a high degree of accuracy in their measurements. The pyramids are also remarkable for their durability, and they have stood for thousands of years with very little deterioration.
The pyramids have long been a source of fascination and mystery, and they continue to be one of Egypt’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors from all over the world come to see these ancient monuments and to learn about the civilizations that built them.
Here is a table of the most famous pyramids in Egypt:
- The Giza pyramids: (The Giza necropolis): Kings of the Old Kingdom of Egypt built it at (c. 2686-2181 BC) and are believed to be the tombs of the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest pyramid ever built, and it is estimated that it took over 2 million workers 20 years to construct. The pyramids are all made of stone blocks that weigh an average of 2.5 tons each.
- The pyramid of Djoser (or Djeser and Zoser), at Saqqara: Sometimes called the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Saqqara is an Egyptian village in the Giza Governorate.
In the early stages the structure of the pyramid had the form of a mastaba to create its step pyramidal form. It rises from the Saqqara plateau in six steps.
Other famous pyramids in Egypt include:
- The Dahshur pyramids:
There are three pyramids for king Sneferu, and one for king Amenemhet III. The Bent pyramid, The Pyramid of Meidum and The Red Pyramid known as Pyramids of Sneferu. The Black Pyramid Dahshur is known as the Pyramid of Amenemhet III.
1-The Pyramid of Bent at Dahshur: The first of the Dahshur pyramids, King Sneferu. Archaeologists now believe that the Bent Pyramid represents a transitional form between step-sided and smooth-sided pyramids. The ancient formal name of the Bent Pyramid is generally translated as (The)-Southern-Shining-Pyramid, or Sneferu-(is)-Shining-in-the-South.
2-The Pyramid of Meidum: Meidum is a site in Lower Egypt. The Meidum pyramid is called False Pyramid (el-heram el-kaddaab – in Egyptian Arabic.) The pyramid at Meidum is thought to be just the second pyramid built after Djoser’s.
3-The Red Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara also known as the North Pyramid of Sneferu.
The Red Pyramid stands as a testament to the transition from step pyramids to true smooth-sided pyramids, while the Black Pyramid embodies the merging of construction techniques from both eras. These pyramids, along with the Bent Pyramid, another notable structure at Dahshur, demonstrate the experimentation and refinement that led to the construction of the awe-inspiring pyramids at Giza.
The Pyramid of Djoser is believed to be the first pyramid ever built, and it was constructed for the pharaoh Djoser in the Third Dynasty (c. 2686-2613 BC). The pyramid named for its distinctive reddish hue. the Red Pyramid is the third-largest pyramid in Egypt. Constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu (c. 2613-2555 BC), the pyramid stands at an impressive height of 341 feet (104 meters) and boasts a base length of 672 feet (205 meters).
The Red Pyramid’s construction marks a significant turning point in Egyptian pyramid architecture. It represents the first successful attempt to build a true smooth-sided pyramid, a departure from the earlier step pyramids that characterized the Third Dynasty. This achievement paved the way for the construction of the iconic pyramids at Giza.
The Pyramid of Amenemhet III. The Black Pyramid in Dahshur the fourth pyramid.
The second-largest pyramid at Dahshur. Built during the reign of Pharaoh Amenemhet III (c. 1867-1814 BC), the pyramid stands at a height of 321 feet (98 meters) and has a base length of 623 feet (190 meters).
Despite its name, the Black Pyramid was originally coated with white limestone, giving it a gleaming appearance similar to other pyramids of the era. However, over time, the limestone has eroded, exposing the underlying blocks of dark, bluish-green granite, resulting in the pyramid’s current somber hue.
The Black Pyramid is unique in its construction, employing a combination of techniques used in both the step pyramids and the true smooth-sided pyramids. This hybrid approach reflects the transitional period in pyramid construction, bridging the gap between the earlier and later styles.
The Red Pyramid and the Black Pyramid stand as two of the most enigmatic and captivating ancient structures in Egypt. These pyramids, offer a glimpse into the remarkable architectural prowess and ingenuity of the Old Kingdom pharaohs.
Today, the Red Pyramid and the Black Pyramid stand as enduring reminders of the architectural brilliance and engineering prowess of ancient Egypt. These pyramids continue to captivate visitors with their enigmatic presence and offer valuable insights into the remarkable civilization that built them.
There are other pyramids in different places not so famous like:
- The Mastabat al-Fir’aun at Saqqara
- Pyramid of Djedefre- Abu Rawash
- Zawyet el-Aryan is the location for two unfinished Old Kingdom pyramids.
- Abusir, There are a total of fourteen pyramids at this site
- Mazghuna , Located to the south of Dahshur, several mudbrick pyramids were built in this area in the late Middle Kingdom, perhaps for Amenemhat IV and Sobekneferu.
- Lisht, Two major pyramids are known to have been built at Lisht: those of Amenemhat I and his son, Senusret I.
- El Lahun, The Pyramid of Senusret II at El Lahun is the southernmost royal-tomb pyramid structure in Egypt
- The Pyramid of Sahure at Abusir,
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