Ancient Egyptian pyramids are among the most mysterious and magnificent structures in the world. These huge monuments, built thousands of years ago, continue to amaze people even today. Let’s explore some interesting and educational facts about pyramids for kids.
Why were pyramids built?
Ancient Egyptian pyramids were mainly built as tombs for pharaohs and their families.
The Egyptians believed that pharaohs would continue to live in another world after death.
That is why everyday items, jewelry, and valuable treasures were placed inside their tombs.
How many pyramids are there in Egypt?
So far, more than 130 pyramids have been discovered in Egypt.
Most of the pyramids are located on the western bank of the Nile River, because the Egyptians associated the setting sun with the land of the dead.
The first Egyptian pyramid
The first Egyptian pyramid is believed to be the Pyramid of Djoser.
It was built about 4,650 years ago (around 2640 BC) in the Saqqara region.
Because the Pyramid of Djoser has a stepped shape, it is called a step pyramid.
What is Saqqara?
Saqqara is a large ancient cemetery located near Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt.
Many tombs, temples, and the earliest pyramids are found there.
The Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest and oldest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis.
It is also the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that still exists today.
This pyramid is also known as the Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops).
Interesting facts:
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It was the tallest structure in the world for about 3,800 years.
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Its original height was 146 meters, and today it is about 138 meters high.
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It was built using millions of large stone blocks.
Other important pyramid sites
Besides Giza and Saqqara, there are other important pyramid areas in Egypt:
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Dahshur
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Abusir
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Meidum
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Lisht
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Abu Rawash
The inside of the pyramids
Pyramids are not just piles of stones.
Inside them, there are passageways, chambers, and hidden tunnels.
The bodies of the pharaohs were preserved as mummies to protect them after death.
Tomb robbers
Unfortunately, in ancient times, many royal tombs were robbed by tomb raiders.
Valuable items were stolen, and some tombs were damaged.
Tutankhamun and his tomb
The most famous and almost completely preserved tomb is the tomb of Tutankhamun, located in the Valley of the Kings.
It was discovered in 1922 by archaeologist Howard Carter.
Tutankhamun’s tomb is world-famous for its magnificent golden burial mask.
Tutankhamun was a young pharaoh who ruled Egypt from 1332 to 1323 BC.
Conclusion
Ancient Egyptian pyramids:
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are among the greatest architectural achievements in human history
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teach us a lot about the beliefs and lifestyle of ancient people
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continue to fascinate scientists today
Pyramids are not just stone buildings —
they are silent witnesses of history.