Egyptian Pyramid Facts

Learn about the first pyramid built in Egypt, the Great Pyramid of Giza, important burial sites such as Saqqara, what Egyptians put in burial tombs, where the famous mask of Tutankhamun was discovered and much more. Read on and have fun learning about Ancient Egyptian pyramids.

• Ancient Egyptian pyramids are the most well known pyramid structures.
• Most Ancient Egyptian pyramids were built as tombs for Pharaohs and their families.
• Over 130 pyramids have been discovered in Egypt.
• The first Egyptian pyramid is believed to be the Pyramid of Djoser, it was built in Saqqara around 4650 years ago (2640 BC).
• Saqqara is a huge ancient burial ground built near the Egyptian city of Memphis.
• The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis.
• Also known as the Pyramid of Khufu, it is the oldest of the Ancient Wonders of the World and the last one still largely intact.
• For over 3800 years, the Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest man made structure in the world.
• Although it has lost around 10 metres (33 feet) in height, it still stands around 146 metres (480 feet) above the ground.
• As well as Giza and Saqqara, important Egyptian Pyramid sites include Dashur, Abusir, Meidum, Lisht, Abu Rawash and others.
• Nearly all Egyptian Pyramids are located on the west bank of the Nile.
• Egyptian Pyramids often contain multiple chambers and passages.
• Bodies placed in the tombs were preserved by mummification.
• Egyptians buried their dead with burial goods that ranged from everyday items they believed would useful in the afterlife to more expensive items such as jewelry.
•  Tomb robbers targeted many of the royal tombs and most were eventually robbed.
• One tomb that was left largely intact was that of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings. Rediscovered in 1922 by Howard Carter, this famous tomb is best known for the solid gold funerary mask of Tutankhamun.
• Tutankhamun was a pharaoh from 1332 BC to 1323 BC.
• Check out some more pyramid facts.