The Built of Egyptian Pyramids

The built of Egyptian pyramids has remained a mystery for several thousand years. Throughout history there have been a number of theories offered to explain the mystery, but no one seems to have devised a concept that has been completely accepted. While the question of how were the pyramids built remains unanswered, there is no doubt to the complex beauty of the ancient Egypt pyramids.

From the scorching heat of the Egyptian desert rises up the first of the ancient Egypt pyramids to be constructed, the step pyramids. So named because of their step like exterior, these pyramids are believed to have been constructed during the Third Dynasty. It is probable that the first step pyramid was intended to be an improvement of the mastabas that were originally designed to be burial tombs for the royalty. The built of Egyptian pyramids during this time appears to have been constructed by stacking box like structures on top of one another in graduating sizes, large to small; with the smallest resting at the top. The first step pyramid is believed to have been constructed under the reign of King Djoser.

Lying across the same complex of the Djoser pyramid is what appears to be an unfinished step pyramid. This later construction was not discovered until 1952 and is believed to have been begun by Djoser's architect, Imhothep. The built of Egyptian pyramids continued throughout the Third Dynasty, prior to the erection of what is commonly believed to be the last step pyramid, by King Snefru.

King Snerfu quickly moved on from the step pyramid to his next attempt, the Bent pyramid located at Dashur. The pyramid takes its name from the reduced angle of the top of the structure, giving it a bent appearance. This pyramid apparently failed to meet the expectations of the pharaoh and his architecture team.

The final pyramid believed to have been constructed by King Snerfu was a rousing success. The Red pyramid, also referred to as the North pyramid, is considered to be the first structure to take on the true pyramid shape.

The work of Snerfu's pyramids seems to have inspired his son, Khufu, a great deal. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest ever built of Egyptian pyramids. Standing at an impressive height of 146 meters, the Great Pyramid resides alongside several smaller pyramids that were intended for the king's wives and mother as well as a cult pyramid. The built of Egyptian pyramids usually contains a number of passageways and chambers as well as boat pits for the vessels that would carry the dead to Osiris. Like all ancient Egyptian pyramids, the Great Pyramid is no different.

Throughout the late Fifth Dynasty, the built of Egyptian pyramids continued, although none were ever able to rival the marvel of the Great Pyramid at Giza. These ancient Egypt pyramids have made a significant contribution to understanding the history and culture of the Egyptian nation. The inside of the Egyptian pyramids, particularly, have proven to quite valuable in appreciating how the ancient Egyptians lived and their thoughts on the afterlife.