Pyramids

One of the 1st pyramids

A pyramid is a structure that roughly, its shape is that of a pyramid in a geometrical sense. From the outer look, a pyramid has triangular surfaces that meet to a single point at the top. Not every pyramid is of the exact same shape. A pyramid must have at least 3 surfaces (without base). Saying that, it may have more than 3 surfaces. The most common pyramid shape is the one with a square base and 4 triangular surfaces.

The pyramids were built by Ancient Egyptians. They have built them as toms for the pharaohs and their queens. There are about 80 pyramids known today that were built in Ancient Egypt times. The three largest and best-preserved of these were built in Giza. The most well-known pyramid was built for the pharaoh Khufu. It is known as the ‘Great Pyramid’. 

'Benben'

Why did Egyptian rulers choose this particular shape and why did they build them so large? Nowadays, it is believed that they chose this shape to mimic the ‘Benben’. The Benben is a pyramid shaped stone found in the earliest of temples. It is thought to symbolize the elevation of earth from which the Egyptians believed that life emerged. This is also connected to Re (the Sun God) as it was him who according to some of the ancient Egypt mythology, rose from the earth to create life. Regarding the size of the pyramids, they symbolize the power of the pharaohs and maybe even the glory and strength of their country.

By time, pyramids evolved. The first one built in Egypt had stepped sides and the top of it was a flat surface (as we best know). As they evolved, there were both failures and glorious failures that finally led to the smooth sided pyramid. Throughout their history, pyramids continued to evolve. Not always from the outer appearances, but from the way they were built and in the construction. They had arrangements of the layout of the internal chambers.

Pyramids

References:

AKN Solutions, 2013. The Great Pyramids and More. [online] Available at: <http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/pyramids.htm> [Accessed 16 May 2014].

The British Museum, N/A. Pyramids. [online] Available at: <http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/pyramids/home.html> [Accessed 16 May 2014].