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The Pyramid at Saqqara is considered the earliest pyramid in Egypt. It was designed by the architect Imhotep and it marks a significant evolution from the earlier mastaba tombs. It is not a true pyramid but a series of stacked mastabas, creating a stepped appearance. It’s a transitional design that paved the way for the more famous, smooth sided pyramids that came later in the Fourth Dynasty. -
Built by Pharaoh Sneferu. It started as a step pyramid and was later encased to form a true pyramid, but it partially collapsed over time. It contributed to the eventual perfection of the pyramid form seen in the later, more stable pyramids. -
The Great Pyramid, built for Pharaoh Khufu, is the largest pyramid in Egypt and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was originally 146.6 meters (481 feet) tall and was the tallest man-made structure for over 3,800 years. This pyramid reflects the height of Egypt’s architectural and engineering abilities during the Old Kingdom. -
Built by Pharaoh Sneferu, the Bent Pyramid is famous for its unusual shape. The angle of the pyramid changes halfway up because the builders had to adjust the slope due to structural concerns. This pyramid shows the experimentation with designs that would lead to the more stable smooth-sided pyramids. -
built by Sneferu, the Red Pyramid is the first true smooth-sided pyramid. It is named for the reddish hue of the limestone used in its construction. It became the model for later pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Giza. -
The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three pyramids at Giza. It stands at 213 feet tall. Its construction was similar to the larger pyramids but on a much smaller scale. -
The Pyramid of Neferefre was built for the short-reigned Pharaoh Neferefre, a ruler of the Fifth Dynasty. It is located at Abusir and was left incomplete after his early death. The pyramid's unfinished state and design reveal the challenges faced by builders during this time. -
The Pyramid of Sahure is located at Abusir and was constructed for Pharaoh Sahure, the second ruler of the Fifth Dynasty. This pyramid is famous for its well-preserved reliefs that depict the king’s royal accomplishments, including military victories and building projects. Sahure’s pyramid marked a shift towards more elaborate decoration, with extensive texts and scenes surrounding the king’s journey to the afterlife. -
Userkaf’s pyramid is one of the earliest of the Fifth Dynasty pyramids and is located at Saqqara. The pyramid is significant for its association with the first ruler of the Fifth Dynasty, who established a new religious focus on the sun god Ra. This pyramid marks a shift in Egyptian religious practices, with the king identifying himself as the son of Ra. -
The Pyramid of Unas is the first to contain Pyramid Texts, a series of spells meant to assist the pharaoh in the afterlife. Located at Saqqara, it is small compared to the Giza pyramids but significant for the development of religious texts. These texts are among the oldest religious writings in human history. -
he Pyramid of Teti, located at Saqqara, was built for the first ruler of the Sixth Dynasty. Like Unas, it contains Pyramid Texts, marking the continuation of this tradition in royal burials. The pyramid was later robbed and now shows signs of significant decay. -
The Pyramid of Khafre, the son of Khufu, is slightly smaller than the Great Pyramid but appears taller due to its higher position on the Giza Plateau. It is famous for its association with the Great Sphinx, which is thought to represent Khafre’s face. The pyramid also still has some of its original limestone casing at the top, giving us a glimpse of how it once looked. -
Pepi I’s pyramid is part of a larger pyramid complex in Saqqara. His pyramid was built for the Sixth Dynasty pharaoh, known for his long reign. Like many later pyramids, it shows signs of deterioration, especially in its mortuary chapel and surrounding structures. -
Built for Pharaoh Merenre, this pyramid is another example of the changes in pyramid construction. It is smaller than the pyramids of earlier pharaohs but still part of the royal burial tradition. Merenre’s pyramid is located near his father, Pepi I’s pyramid, and forms part of a family necropolis. -
The pyramid of Amenemhat I was built in the Twelfth Dynasty and is located in Lisht. It represents the beginning of the Middle Kingdom and shows the return to pyramid building after a decline in the previous period. The structure of the pyramid is simple, reflecting the period's more practical approach to royal burials. -
Located at Lisht, Senusret I’s pyramid is part of a large complex with a mortuary temple. This pyramid marks the rise of the Middle Kingdom and reflects a shift toward more practical, yet still impressive, royal tombs. It is notable for its use of limestone and simple design compared to earlier pyramids. -
Senusret II’s pyramid at Lahun is famous for its well-preserved interior and complex surrounding structures. This pyramid is smaller but features a more advanced layout, including a mortuary temple and a causeway. The site also provides important insights into the organization of pyramid construction during the Middle Kingdom. -
A pyramid field that is located just south of Cairo, near the famous site of Saqqara. It was used primarily during the Middle Kingdom, and it has a number of pyramids built for various pharaohs, including Amenemhat II. -
Located at Dahshur, the Black Pyramid is known for its collapse and poor preservation. Despite its deterioration, it was once an ambitious attempt to build a large burial structure for Pharaoh Amenemhat II. It was called the "Black Pyramid" because of its dark, weathered appearance. -
The pyramid of Amenemhat III is located at Hawara and is famous for its "Labyrinth," a large, intricate structure designed to house the pharaoh’s tomb. This pyramid is smaller than those at Giza but was part of a large complex that includes elaborate corridors and chambers. The pyramid was built during the height of the Middle Kingdom’s power.