• In geometry, pyramids have triangular sides that come together at the top (apex).
• If they have 4 sides and a square base they are called a square pyramid.
• If they have 3 sides and a triangular base they are called a tetrahedron.

Early Pyramids

• Humans have been building structures using pyramid shapes for thousands of years.
• The first pyramid type structures are believed to have been built by the Mesopotamians around 5000 years ago. These structures were called ziggurats. Pyramid type structures found in Caral, Peru also date back to around this time.

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).
• 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.
• Enjoy more facts about Ancient Egyptian pyramids.

Aztec and Mayan Pyramids

• Most Aztec and Mayan pyramids were step pyramids with temples on top.
• The Mayan civilization stretched from Southern Mexico the northern part of Central America.
• Mayan pyramids date back to around 3000 years ago.
• Aztec pyramids in central Mexico date back to around 600 years ago.
• El Castillo (also known as the Temple of Kukulkan) is perhaps the most famous Mayan pyramid. Located in the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, in the Mexican state of Yucatan, it is a popular tourist destination with over 1 million visitors every year.
• The world’s largest pyramid by volume is the Great Pyramid of Cholula in Puebla, Mexico.

Other Regions

• Sudan is home to a large number of Nubian pyramids which are smaller and steeper than those found in Egypt.
• Although Greeks aren’t known for their pyramid building, a number of pyramid like structures do exist, with the best known being the Pyramid of Hellinikon.
• Pyramids were built in China to house the remains of some early Chinese emperors.
• The Roman Empire built a number of pyramids including the Pyramid of Cestius in Rome, Italy which still stands today.

Modern Pyramids

• Not all pyramids are ancient, there are also a large number of modern structures that share the famous pyramid shape.
• The Louvre in Paris is home to a large glass pyramid.
• The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in Astana, Kazakhstan is a 62 metre (203 feet) high pyramid.
• The 30 story Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas is a large pyramid that holds over 4000 rooms.
• The Slovak Radio Building in Bratislava, Slovakia is shaped like an inverted (upside down) pyramid.