The Pyramids

The pyramids were built during the peak of Egypt's power and culture. They were meant to protect and respect the Pharaoh after he died so that he could do his job as the sun god.

The pyramids were first built like other pyramids from around the world in a step design. They also weren't built by slaves, contrary to popular belief.The pyramids were actually built by hired or conscripted, meaning they were forced to work, workers that lived in towns built around the pyramids. The towns were like any other and had stores and other places where people could go.

The first pyramid was built by Djoser in 2611 B.C. was a step pyramid like those in South America. The first pharaoh to attempt to build a flat sided pyramid, however, was Snefru, but it is uneven looking because there were design plans change in the middle of building.

The Great Pyramid is the largest and most famous pyramid. It was also the first built at Giza, and was built by Snefru's son, Khufu. It is the largest pyramid in the world and has three different and elaborate burial chambers, along with many other chambers, inside.

After the Great Pyramid was built at the height of Egypt's power, pyramids became smaller and less elaborate. The last pyramid built was built by Pepi II and was extremely small compared to the Great Pyramid. Pepi II's pyramid was finished almost 60 years before he died but there were no changes or additions made to the pyramid.