There are 118 Egyptian pyramids in Egypt, though most people are familiar with the iconic three pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure on the Giza Plateau. These famous structures are just the tip of the iceberg. It’s no surprise they stand out, as they are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Egyptian pyramids names

Khufu Pyramid

Khufu, the builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza, is depicted differently across sources. While ancient Greek writers describe him as a tyrannical ruler, Egyptian texts portray him as a generous and devout king. In the Westcar Papyrus, Khufu plays a central role, and because the earliest papyri with written records date from his reign, some historians speculate that the Greeks may have believed Khufu authored works in reverence to the gods.

 

Khafre Pyramid

 

Mankaura Pyramid

 

Baka’s Unfinished Pyramid

Old Kingdom rule­rs didn’t always complete their pyramids in time­. Zawyet el-Aryan is home to se­veral unfinished pyramids. The Baka Pyramid’s shaft is all that re­mains, giving archaeologists precious insight into how these­ structures were cre­ated. However, this Egyptian pyramid is sadly close­d for military use since 1964. Any digging is forbidden and the­ pyramid now sits under military cabins built in the former burial grounds. The­ status of the burial shaft remains a mystery, adding anothe­r layer of intrigue to Zawyet e­l-Aryan’s incomplete pyramid.

The Be­nt Pyramid

is one­ of three pyramids from ancient Egypt. Sne­feru, who began the 4th Dynasty, e­rected three­ pyramids at least. Dahshur’s level e­xpanse was his chosen location for the pyramid e­xperiments. His second trial transforme­d into the Bent Pyramid we re­cognize presently. It got its name­ as it projects from the base at an angle­ of 54 degrees. The­ pyramid delivers an off-kilter, be­nt impression because midway the­ slope’s angle adjusts sharply.

The ruined pyramid of Djedefre

King Djede­fre, son of Pharaoh Khufu, built his pyramid at Abu Rawash, not Giza like his father. His pyramid was me­ant to be the size of Me­nkaure’s – another in Giza. Now, it’s just a rubble pile­ at the northernmost region of Egypt, ofte­n called the ‘lost pyramid.’. The cause­ behind its ruin is unknown. Did it collapse due to construction issue­s?

Was Djedefre’s rule­ too short to finish it? Did Romans steal the stones during Octavian’s Egyptian conque­st? We don’t know.

Ancient Egypt an abandoned pyramid

Abusir is located just north of Saqqara and is the final resting spot of various fifth Dynasty monarchs. There is also a sun temple and several mastaba tombs (a form of structure connected with ancient Egyptian pharaoh). Although there were once Fourteen Egyptian pyramids on this location, attributed to Userkaf (the founder of the 5th Dynasty) and four other pharaohs, just four are still standing today.

Lahun Pyramid

The Pyramid of Senusret II stands out for a variety of reasons. To start with, it was constructed in the Middle Kingdom, a thousand years after the Old Kingdom pyramids. The Middle Kingdom of Egypt saw the return of traditional customs, notably pyramid construction, and Senusret II picked the secluded region known as el-Lahun for his.

Pyramid of Unas

Unas was the final pharaoh of the Fifth Dynasty. He was additionally the first to have the so-called pyramid texts engraved on the innermost parts of his funerary structure. a number of Egyptologists, the outer look of Unas’ pyramid is rough, reflecting the late fifth Dynasty’s degradation of building standards. However, the interior has some of the most magnificent hieroglyphic lettering ever created in an ancient Egyptian temple. The Egyptian pyramid texts are Egypt’s earliest body of writing, intended to be recited by the priest at ceremonies. Their objective was to ensure that those who died (who were also carved onto queen’s tombs) made an effective entrance into the Afterlife.

The Pyramid of Meidum

The Pyramid of Meidum was one of the first Egyptian pyramids built, as well as the first to be straight-sided. sadly, the outside limestone casing has fallen, exposing the interior structure and giving it its peculiar aspect today. Although conj Though, even though, in spite of or despite the fact that: introducing a clause that expresses a concession. But, except. Report Word this may not have been the intended appearance, it is invaluable to Egyptologists seeking to understand how pyramids were constructed.

The Red Pyramid

After several fruitless attempts, like the pyramid of Meidum mentioned above, Sneferu built his first effective pyramid in Dahshur, a rocky site on the Nile’s west bank. It is referred to as the Northern or Red Pyramid because of the reddish hue of the exterior limestone pieces. The original title was, correctly, ‘Snefru appears in splendor’, and its all four sides have a consistent slope of 43° 22′.

 

The Egyptian pyramid of Nyuserre

The Pyramid of Nyuserre was built for Nyuserre Ini of the Fifth Dynasty. He was Neferirkare’s youngest son, and he finished the incomplete pyramid. He did, in fact, finish a number of structures left unfinished by previous pharaohs. Following that, he began constructing his own funeral compound at Abusir.

 

Saqqara Step Pyramid

Saqqara Step Pyramid Beginning with the second obvious pyramid after the ones on the Giza plateau. This masterpiece is Egypt’s oldest pyramid to date; ‘The Step Pyramid’ is regarded to be the pattern for subsequent smooth-sided pyramids. Imhotep, Djoser’s vizier and now considered to be the father of Egyptian pyramids, designed the structure, which consists of six mastabas of diminishing size stacked on top of one another. Prior to the pyramids, pharaohs and other Egyptian nobility and VIPs were interred in mastabas, which were elliptical flat-roofed tombs.

 

The Black Pyramid

The Black pyramid, although officially ruined, is nonetheless worth viewing while visiting Dahshur to see the Red and Bent pyramids, simply because it appears so unique and slightly spooky. The Black Pyramid is thought to be the initial structure in Egypt designed to accommodate both the pharaoh and his queens.

Mazghuna Pyramid

Several mudbrick pyramids were constructed in this region in the late Middle Kingdom, possibly for Amenemhat IV and Sobekneferu, and are situated south of Dahshur.

El-Kurru Pyramid

El-Kurru was the site of a pyramid constructed by Piye, the king of Kush and the first ruler of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty. After many years, he was the first Egyptian king to be interred in a pyramid.

 

While the pyramids of Giza and several others are well known, Egypt boasts a remarkable variety of pyramids scattered across different regions. Here are more pyramids that contribute to Egypt’s rich architectural legacy:

Pyramid of Sahure
Built by Sahure, the second king of the Fifth Dynasty, this pyramid is located in Abusir and is notable for its complex and well-preserved mortuary temple.

 

Pyramid of Neferirkare
Also located in Abusir, this pyramid was built by Neferirkare, one of the tallest pyramids of the Fifth Dynasty, distinguished by its unusual two-step construction.

 

Pyramid of Pepi I
Situated in Saqqara, this pyramid was built by Pepi I, a prominent ruler of the Sixth Dynasty. Although smaller in comparison to the Giza pyramids, it holds significance due to its detailed pyramid texts.

 

Pyramid of Pepi II
Pepi II, who had one of the longest reigns in Egyptian history, constructed this pyramid in Saqqara. Though now in ruins, it remains an important historical site.

 

Pyramid of Teti
The first king of the Sixth Dynasty, Teti’s pyramid in Saqqara is known for its inner chambers and inscriptions, serving as a link between the Fifth and Sixth Dynasty styles.

 

Pyramid of Amenemhat I
Located in Lisht, this pyramid was built by Amenemhat I, the first king of the Twelfth Dynasty, and marks the resurgence of pyramid construction in the Middle Kingdom.

 

Pyramid of Senusret I
Also in Lisht, Senusret I’s pyramid is recognized for its innovative use of limestone and represents the advancement in construction techniques during the Twelfth Dynasty.

 

Pyramid of Amenemhat III (The Black Pyramid)
Located in Hawara, Amenemhat III’s pyramid is often referred to as the “Black Pyramid” due to its dark hue and ruined appearance, making it a unique sight among Egypt’s pyramids.

 

Pyramid of Ahmose
Ahmose I, who founded the Eighteenth Dynasty, constructed his pyramid in Abydos. His pyramid marks the return to pyramid building after a period of hiatus during the Middle Kingdom.

 

Pyramid of Neferuptah
This smaller pyramid is situated near the Pyramid of Amenemhat III in Hawara and is one of the lesser-known pyramids built during the Middle Kingdom.

 

Egyptian pyramids facts

• The Pyramids were once the highest human-made buildings.
• There are more than 100+ pyramids in Egypt.
• The pyramid stones weighed more than an elephant.
• The pyramids are not entirely solid.
• The pyramids weren’t constructed by slaves.
• The Great Pyramid was quite nicely built.
• The pyramids seem to line with the stars.
• Specialized mortar let the pyramids survive.
• There are secret doors within the pyramids.
• Pyramids are utilized to gleam like diamonds.
• Not every pyramid was pointed.

Creepy Egyptian pyramids facts

• Pyramids were tombs for pharaohs and great figures, intended to assure their passage to the afterlife.
• The Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, is perfectly aligned with the four cardinal points of a compass.
• Stories of curses associated with frightening pyramid sites, particularly Egyptian pharaoh tombs, have reinforced their creepy reputation.
• The pyramids’ building processes are still not entirely understood.
• The inner temperature of the Great Pyramid stays constant at 20°C (68°F), independent of the external weather conditions.
• The most well-known curse is that of Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb. Following the discovery in 1922, several people involved with the dig died in inexplicable circumstances, sparking tales of a curse.
• Mysterious spells engraved in hieroglyphs within the pyramids are said to have terrible repercussions for trespassers. The inscriptions add to the ominous ambiance and warnings of pyramid investigation.

 

Egyptian pyramids location

Egyptian pyramids are primarily located in several regions along the Nile River, concentrated in the following key areas:

• Giza Plateau – Home to the Great Pyramids of Giza (Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure) and the Great Sphinx. Located near modern-day Cairo.
• Saqqara – Known for the Step Pyramid of Djoser, Egypt’s oldest pyramid, and several others from the Old and New Kingdoms.
• Dahshur – Famous for the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, both built by Pharaoh Sneferu.
• Abu Rawash – The site of the ruined Pyramid of Djedefre, north of Giza.
• Abusir – Home to several Fifth Dynasty pyramids, including those of Sahure, Neferirkare, and Niuserre.
• Lisht – Location of the pyramids of Amenemhat I and Senusret I from the Middle Kingdom.
• Meidum – Site of the Pyramid of Meidum, originally attributed to Sneferu.
• Hawara – Location of the Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III.
• El-Kurru – Known for its pyramids constructed by rulers of the Kushite kingdom, including Piye.
• Mazghuna – Site of several late Middle Kingdom mudbrick pyramids, potentially for Amenemhat IV and Sobekneferu, situated south of Dahshur.

 

These locations offer a comprehensive view of where the most famous and lesser-known pyramids are found, reflecting Egypt’s rich architectural heritage across different dynasties.

 

Egyptian pyramids theory of construction

The recent discovery of an ancient 64-kilometer-long Nile channel near the Giza Pyramids has provided new insights into how the pyramids might have been constructed. The channel, long buried under the desert and farmlands, suggests that the Pyramids of Giza were likely built along the banks of the Nile when the river’s water levels were higher. This supports the theory that the ancient Egyptians used the river to transport massive stones used for the pyramid construction, taking advantage of the Nile’s proximity.

 

Dr. Iman Ghoneim from the University of North Carolina’s Earth and Ocean Sciences department explains that satellite and radar images show the Nile’s course fluctuating over time. During the Old Kingdom period, when the Giza Pyramids were constructed, the river flowed closer to the pyramid sites, making it easier to transport materials. As the river receded during the Middle Kingdom, pyramids were built farther away, presenting different challenges for construction.

 

This new discovery offers a fresh perspective on how ancient Egyptians managed to build these massive structures. Although the complete mystery of pyramid construction is yet to be solved, this finding showcases the Egyptians’ ingenuity and their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

 

How were the Egyptian pyramids built?

we have mentioned a theory of how the Egyptian pyramids, particularly Giza pyramids. you can find it in the previous question. other theory is Egyptians used sledges, ropes, rollers, and levers to lift gigantic stone blocks to great elevations along large ramps oiled with water or wet clay.

Egyptian pyramids tour

1. Explore Giza Pyramids
   Visit the iconic pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, along with smaller queen pyramids. You can also explore the interior of the Great Pyramid for a truly unforgettable experience.
2. Ride a Camel Around the Pyramids
   Enhance your visit with a traditional camel ride around Giza Plateau. This unique experience offers stunning views of the pyramids and desert, providing a memorable way to take in the majestic scenery.
3. Capture Stunning Views
   Enjoy panoramic views of the entire Giza Plateau, especially at sunrise or sunset, for perfect photo opportunities.
4. Discover Other Pyramids in Egypt
   Expand your tour to Saqqara’s Step Pyramid, the first pyramid ever built, or visit the Bent and Red Pyramids at Dahshur for a quieter and more peaceful exploration.

The Egyptian Pyramid Tour combines history, adventure, and unforgettable sights into one incredible experience.

 

Egyptian pyramids at night – Giza Pyramids

You can’t visit the pyramids at night unless you attend the Sound and Light Show or are accompanied by a local guide. The pyramids at night offer a mystical and enchanting atmosphere, unlike any other time of day. Experience the Giza Pyramids illuminated under a stunning display of lights and lasers in the Sound and Light Show.

As night falls, the pyramids and the Sphinx come alive with captivating visuals and stories narrated by the Sphinx itself, sharing the history of ancient Egypt and its legendary pharaohs. This magical evening offers a unique and unforgettable way to witness the grandeur of the pyramids.

When the Egyptian pyramids were built

There are over 100 pyramids scattered across Egypt, most of which were built during the Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BC) and Middle Kingdom (2055–1650 BC). These structures primarily served as tombs, reflecting the evolution of pyramid construction from early designs to the grand pyramids of Giza.

Saqqara Step Pyramid – Built for Pharaoh Djoser around 2670 BC, it’s the first pyramid and the earliest large-scale stone structure.

Dahshur Pyramids – South of Cairo, Dahshur is home to the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, both built by Pharaoh Sneferu around 2600 BC. The Bent Pyramid is notable for its change in angle, while the Red Pyramid is Egypt’s first true smooth-sided pyramid.

Meidum Pyramid – An early pyramid built for Pharaoh Sneferu, initially as a stepped structure but later converted into a smooth-sided pyramid.

 

Egyptian pyramids vacation

To fully appreciate the Giza Pyramids, we recommend spending at least three hours exploring the Plateau, including the Sphinx and surrounding sites.

Visiting other pyramids in Egypt requires careful planning, as they are located in different areas. From Giza to Saqqara and Dahshur, each site offers a unique experience and should be tailored to your interests.

Egyptian pyramids from above

At the highest point of the pyramid would have been a the final step, known as a pyramidion, which could have been plated in gold. This bright point, gleaming in the harsh sunlight, would have been seen from a long distance.

Egyptian Giza pyramids history

How many Egyptian pyramids are there?

Egypt is home to over 100 pyramids, with the exact number being around 118 to 138 pyramids that have been identified. Many of Them have already been mentioned throughout the article.

What were the Egyptian pyramids used for?