Egypt is famous for its magnificent pyramids; these incredible structures are among the most iconic landmarks globally. These pyramids were not just random buildings but also were specially constructed as tombs for the revered pharaohs and their loved ones.
But have you ever wondered how many pyramids are in Egypt? And which ones are the most famous pyramids?
Let us explore the magnificent pyramids of Egypt, one of the best Cairo historical sites:
How Many Pyramids Are In Egypt?
The number of Egyptian pyramids varies among different sources. According to Wikipedia, approximately 118 have been identified, while others suggest numbers as high as 138. Additionally, over 200 pyramids are believed to exist within the historical Kingdom of Kush, located north of Sudan. The primary purpose of these structures was to serve as tombs for the pharaohs of Egypt and their consorts during the Ancient Egypt dynasty Old and Middle Kingdom periods.
The Top Pyramids in Egypt:
Egypt is home to around 138 pyramids, with the most famous ones located in Giza. Here is a list of the 20 most famous pyramids in Egypt:
- Great Pyramid of Giza (Pyramid of Khufu): The largest pyramid, built for Pharaoh Khufu.
- Pyramid of Khafre: The second-largest pyramid at Giza, built for Pharaoh Khafre.
- Pyramid of Menkaure: The smallest of the three main pyramids at Giza, built for Pharaoh Menkaure.
- Step Pyramid of Djoser: Located in Saqqara, this is the oldest known pyramid, built for Pharaoh Djoser.
- Bent Pyramid: Located in Dahshur, known for its bent slope, built for Pharaoh Sneferu.
- Red Pyramid: Also in Dahshur, named for its reddish limestone, also built for Pharaoh Sneferu.
- Pyramid of Userkaf: In Saqqara, built for Pharaoh Userkaf.
- Pyramid of Unas: Also in Saqqara, known for the Pyramid Texts, built for Pharaoh Unas.
- Pyramid of Teti: Located in Saqqara, built for Pharaoh Teti.
- Pyramid of Pepi I: In Saqqara, built for Pharaoh Pepi I.
- Pyramid of Pepi II: Also in Saqqara, built for Pharaoh Pepi II.
- Pyramid of Sekhemkhet: An unfinished step pyramid in Saqqara, built for Pharaoh Sekhemkhet.
- Pyramid of Sneferu (Meidum Pyramid): Located in Meidum, believed to be an early attempt by Sneferu.
- Pyramid of Amenemhat I: Located in Lisht, built for Pharaoh Amenemhat I.
- Pyramid of Senusret I: Also in Lisht, built for Pharaoh Senusret I.
- Pyramid of Senusret II: Located in El-Lahun, built for Pharaoh Senusret II.
- Pyramid of Senusret III: Located in Dahshur, built for Pharaoh Senusret III.
- Pyramid of Amenemhat II: Also in Dahshur, built for Pharaoh Amenemhat II.
- Pyramid of Ahmose: Located in Abydos, built for Pharaoh Ahmose.
- Pyramid of Djedefre: Located in Abu Rawash, built for Pharaoh Djedefre, son of Khufu.
These pyramids represent some of the most significant and historically important structures in ancient Egypt. Now, let us highlight the most famous pyramids in Egypt:
The Pyramid Of Djoser(The Step Pyramid)
The first pyramid constructed in Egypt was the Pyramid of Djoser, located in the Saqqara Necropolis. This pyramid, dating back to the 27th century BC, during the Third Dynasty, differs from the typical pyramid shape. This pyramid began as a traditional flat rectangular mastaba tomb but was expanded into a six-layered structure reaching 204 feet tall, making it the first large-scale stone building in the world. The Pyramid of Djoser was built as the final resting place for Pharaoh Djoser and stands as the first large-scale stone building in the world.
The question of how many pyramids exist in Egypt remains a stunning mystery. Tailor-make your Egypt tours and explore these ancient wonders, which go beyond mere numbers.
The Bent Pyramid And Red Pyramid
The Bent Pyramid, located in Dahshur, a necropolis to the south of Saqqara and nearby Red Pyramid, was constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu in the 26th century BC. The Bent Pyramid is unique for containing a shallower 54-degree angle on the top half, lending it the look of being bent. The nearby Red Pyramid, built by Pharaoh Sneferu, is considered the first true pyramid in Egypt and stands 344 feet tall.
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The Giza Pyramids
Perhaps the most famous and instantly recognizable pyramids in Egypt are the Giza Pyramids, located on the outskirts of Cairo. These pyramids, constructed during the Fourth Dynasty between 2580 BC and 2560 BC, are among the largest and most complex pyramids. The Giza complex includes three primary pyramids: the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure.
A- Khufu Pyramid
Khufu Pyramid is the oldest and largest of the Giza pyramids. It is also the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Constructed during the reign of King Khufu Pharaoh, it stands at a height of 146.5 meters (481 feet), containing over 2 million stones weighing 6 million tons. It remained the tallest structure in the world for 4000 years. The Greeks believed it was built with slave labor, while some historians estimate the work involved two teams of 100,000 workers.
B- Khafren Pyramid
The Middle Pyramid at Giza was built for the son of Khufu (Khafre) (2558-2532 BC). A unique feature built inside Khafre’s pyramid complex was the Great Sphinx, a guardian statue carved in limestone with the head of a man and the body of a lion. It was the biggest statue in the ancient world, measuring 240 feet long and 66 feet high. In the 18th dynasty (c. 1500 B.C.), the Great Sphinx was being worshiped as the image of a local form of the god Horus. It has the following Characteristics: The pyramid has a base length of 215.5 m (706 Ft) and A height of 136.4 meters (448 ft.) Only approximately 10 feet shorter than the Great Pyramid. The pyramid is made of limestone blocks weighing more than 2 tons each. The bottom course of the cladding is pink granite, but the higher sections are clad in limestone. It has a slope angle of 53° 13.
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C- Menkaure Pyramid
The smallest pyramid at Giza was built for Menkaure, the son of Khafre (2532-2503 B.C.). It is the shortest of the three pyramids (218 feet) and is a precursor of the smaller pyramids that would be constructed during the fifth and sixth dynasties.
The Pyramids in Kush And The Egyptian Influence on Nubia
Interestingly, Egypt's influence extended south into Nubia (modern-day Sudan), where more pyramids were constructed by the Kingdom of Kush. Although not within Egypt's current borders, these Nubian pyramids reflect the cultural and architectural exchange between these ancient civilizations. There are over 200 pyramids in Sudan, primarily in the regions of Nuri and Meroe, illustrating the widespread impact of Egyptian architectural styles.
The Ongoing Discoveries for the Number of Pyramids In Egypt
Archaeology is an ever-evolving field, and new discoveries continue to be made. Excavations and advanced technologies like satellite imaging have led to the identification of previously unknown pyramid sites. This means the total number of pyramids in Egypt may continue to grow as more are uncovered and studied.
Fun Facts About Egypt Pyramids:
• The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.
• The Great Pyramid of Giza is so large that it can be seen from space.
• The smallest pyramid, the Pyramid of Menkaure, stands at 62 meters.
• The pyramids were built by skilled workers who were paid for their labor, not by slaves or Aliens.
• The pyramids weren't alone; they were part of a larger arrangement that included temples and other structures alongside them.
The question of how many pyramids exist in Egypt remains a stunning mystery. Exploring these ancient wonders goes beyond just numbers.
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Conclusion
As the sands of time continue their inexorable march, preserving these marvels becomes a solemn duty. For within their weathered stones lies not just the legacy of civilization but a timeless invitation to unravel the mysteries of our shared humanity. The question of how many pyramids exist in Egypt remains a stunning mystery. Exploring these ancient wonders goes beyond just numbers.
Embark on unforgettable Egypt tours and discover the beauty of the ancient pyramids with a tourist program designed to meet your unique needs and interests.
Sources:
How Many Pyramids are in Egypt/ Egypt Travel Blogger/ Egypt For Travel
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