Today there are about eighty pyramids in Ancient Egypt. Giza, is the place where the three largest and best preserved lay. The most well known of these pyramids was built for Khufu. "The Great Pyramid,'' is what it is known as.
What were pyramids for?
Pyramids were also known as "Houses of Eternity." The Egyptians built them for the Pharaoh and his wives when they died.
What does the word pyramid mean?
It comes from the Greek word "pyramis." It means "wheat cake." This is what the pyramids were described as. The pyramids reminded the Greeks of pointed-toped wheat cakes. "Mer" was the Ancient Egyptian word for pyramids.
How old are the pyramids?
Actually, no one really knows for sure. Some history books say about 3200 B.C. for when the pyramid for Khufu was being built. That might not be the real time though.
How do the pyramids fit into early Egyptian life?
The pyramids stand as a reminder of the Egyptians belief in life after death. Death, to the Egyptians, was just the beginning of a journey to the other world. Pictures on the walls tell of the kings and their families. The graves of the king's relatives and courtiers could be found beside the pyramids.
What was the first pyramid and who was it for?
The Step Pyramid at Saqqara was the first pyramid. It is believed that it was built in 2750 B.C. for King Zoser. The structure of his pyramid was made of small limestone blocks and dessert clay. Inside was a burial chamber and storage spaces for his goods.
I hope you found all the information you needed.
