List of Egyptian pyramids
Ancient Egyptian Pyramids
The Ancient Egyptians were known for their architectural prowess, and the pyramids are a testament to this. The pyramids were monumental structures built primarily as tombs for the country's pharaohs and their consorts. The earliest known Egyptian pyramids are found at Saqqara, northwest of Memphis. The earliest among these is the Pyramid of Djoser (constructed 2630 BC–2611 BC) which was built during the third dynasty. This pyramid and its surrounding complex were designed by the architect Imhotep, and are generally considered to be the world's oldest monumental structures constructed of dressed masonry.
Construction Techniques
The construction techniques of the Egyptian pyramids are the controversial subject of many hypotheses. These techniques seem to have developed over time; later pyramids were not built in the same way as earlier ones. Most construction hypotheses are based on the belief that huge stones were carved from quarries with copper chisels, and these blocks were then dragged and lifted into position. Disagreements chiefly concern the methods used to move and place the stones.
Pyramid Complexes
In addition to the actual pyramid, the pyramid complex of a pharaoh included a mortuary temple and a valley temple. The mortuary temple was connected to the pyramid and the valley temple by causeways. These causeways were often covered, much like the passages in the pyramids themselves, and were probably used for the processions of the pharaoh's body to its final resting place. The valley temple often contained several amenities for the comfort of the pharaoh in the afterlife, including wells, bakeries, magazines, stables, and other buildings.
List of Pyramids
The following is a list of notable Egyptian pyramids:
- Pyramid of Djoser: The step pyramid built for the Pharaoh Djoser by his architect Imhotep, located in Saqqara.
- Bent Pyramid: The southern pyramid of the Pharaoh Sneferu, located at Dahshur.
- Red Pyramid: The northern pyramid of the Pharaoh Sneferu, located at Dahshur.
- Great Pyramid of Giza: The pyramid of the Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops), located on the Giza Plateau.
- Pyramid of Khafre: The pyramid of the Pharaoh Khafre (Chephren), located on the Giza Plateau.
- Pyramid of Menkaure: The pyramid of the Pharaoh Menkaure, located on the Giza Plateau.
- Pyramid of Userkaf: The pyramid of the Pharaoh Userkaf, located in Saqqara.
- Pyramid of Teti: The pyramid of the Pharaoh Teti, located in Saqqara.
- Pyramid of Pepi II: The pyramid of the Pharaoh Pepi II, located in Saqqara.