THE
PYRAMIDS.
From the first monumental stone pyramid at Saqqara to the extraordinary pyramids of Giza, discover how ancient Egyptian builders transformed royal tombs into some of the most enduring monuments on Earth.
Why Did Egypt Build Pyramids?
The pyramids were royal monuments connected with death, kingship and the ancient Egyptian belief in the afterlife.
Pyramid building changed dramatically over centuries. Egyptian architects experimented with different forms before reaching the smooth-sided pyramids that became the symbol of ancient Egypt.
The story begins at Saqqara, continues through the experiments of Sneferu at Meidum and Dahshur, and reaches its most famous expression at Giza.
MEET THE PHARAOHS →FROM STEP PYRAMIDS TO PERFECTED TRUE PYRAMIDS
Step Pyramid of Djoser
Built for King Djoser, the Step Pyramid represents a revolutionary moment in Egyptian architecture and one of the earliest monumental stone structures.
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Bent Pyramid
Sneferu's unusual pyramid reveals how Egyptian builders adapted their design during construction to create a more stable monument.
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Red Pyramid
Sneferu's final great pyramid at Dahshur represents a major step toward the smooth, true pyramid form perfected at Giza.
DISCOVER THE STORY →KHUFU · KHAFRE · MENKAURE
The Great Pyramid
Built for Pharaoh Khufu, the Great Pyramid is the largest of the three pyramids at Giza and the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.
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Pyramid of Khafre
Khafre's pyramid was built on higher ground, helping it appear almost as tall as Khufu's. It is also famous for the surviving casing stones near its summit.
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Pyramid of Menkaure
The smallest of the three major Giza pyramids, Menkaure's monument is notable for its granite elements and its complex of temples and queens' pyramids.
EXPLORE MENKAURE'S PYRAMID →OTHER PYRAMIDS WORTH DISCOVERING
Saqqara
Home of Djoser's Step Pyramid and one of Egypt's most important ancient burial landscapes.
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Meidum
A fascinating stage in the development from stepped structures toward the smooth-sided pyramid.
DISCOVER MEIDUM →
Middle Kingdom Pyramids
Later kings continued the pyramid tradition, even as burial architecture and royal customs evolved.
EXPLORE THE MIDDLE KINGDOM →EXPLORE THE WORLD OF THE PYRAMIDS
THE STORIES BEHIND THE STONES
How Was the Great Pyramid Built?
Explore the engineering, organization and ancient technology behind Khufu's enormous royal monument.
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Djoser and the First Stone Pyramid
Discover how Djoser's monument transformed Egyptian tomb architecture and changed the history of monumental building.
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Why Is the Bent Pyramid Bent?
Follow Sneferu's extraordinary experiment at Dahshur and the architectural problem that changed the shape of the monument.
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The Red Pyramid: Sneferu's Breakthrough
Learn why the Red Pyramid is an important milestone in the evolution of true pyramid construction.
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Why Does Khafre's Pyramid Look Taller?
Discover how the plateau's natural elevation changes the way visitors experience the second pyramid at Giza.
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The Smallest Pyramid at Giza
Menkaure's pyramid may be the smallest of the three great monuments, but its granite construction and complex tell a fascinating story.
READ THE STORY →STAND BEFORE THE PYRAMIDS
See the monuments that have fascinated travelers for thousands of years. Explore Giza, Saqqara and Dahshur, then plan your Egypt journey with EgyptSaga.
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