How Many Pyramids are in Egypt? A Comprehensive Guide to Egypt's Iconic Pyramids

 

When people think of Egypt, the first image that comes to mind is often the grand pyramids of Giza. But did you know that Egypt is home to over 118 pyramids? These structures, built over several millennia, were constructed as monumental tombs for Egypt's ancient kings and queens, reflecting their beliefs in the afterlife and eternal glory. So, how many pyramids are in Egypt, and what are their names?

In this guide, we explore Egypt's pyramids, from the famous pyramids at Giza to the lesser-known yet equally impressive ones spread across the country.

 

 

The Three Pyramids of Giza: Egypt's Most Famous Pyramids

 

The Great Pyramid of Giza (Pyramid of Khufu)

Constructed for Pharaoh Khufu around 2580 BC, this is the largest and most iconic of all Egyptian pyramids. Standing at 146 meters (originally 481 feet), it’s the only surviving wonder of the ancient world.

The Pyramid of Khafre

Built for Pharaoh Khafre, the son of Khufu, this pyramid is slightly smaller than the Great Pyramid but stands out because it still retains some of its original limestone casing at the top.

The Pyramid of Menkaure

The smallest of the three pyramids of Giza, this one was built for Pharaoh Menkaure, Khafre's successor. Despite its size, it boasts a refined and intricate design.

 

The Pyramids of Saqqara: The Birthplace of Pyramids

The Step Pyramid of Djoser

Located in Saqqara, this pyramid was built for Pharaoh Djoser and is considered Egypt's oldest pyramid, dating back to the 27th century BC. It was designed by the architect Imhotep and represents the first attempt at a monumental stone structure in ancient Egypt.

The Pyramids of Dahshur: Early Pyramid Construction

The Bent Pyramid

Built for Pharaoh Sneferu, this pyramid is notable for its unique, bent shape, which is the result of a change in angle partway through construction. It is one of the first attempts at a smooth-sided pyramid.

 

The Red Pyramid

Also built for Sneferu, the Red Pyramid is Egypt’s first successful smooth-sided pyramid. Named after the reddish hue of its limestone, it is an important milestone in pyramid construction.

 

 

Notable Pyramids in Egypt: A Broader Look

 

Beyond Giza, Saqqara, and Dahshur, many other pyramids played significant roles in ancient Egyptian history. Here are some of the other notable pyramids in Egypt:

 

Pyramid of Userkaf

Built for Pharaoh Userkaf, this pyramid is part of the Saqqara necropolis. Though small in size, it was an important religious center.

 

Pyramid of Sahure

Constructed for Pharaoh Sahure, this pyramid is located in Abu Sir and marks the beginning of the 5th Dynasty. The pyramid complex includes beautifully carved reliefs depicting royal life.

 

Pyramid of Neferirkare Kakai

Built for Pharaoh Neferirkare Kakai in Abu Sir, this pyramid was once one of the tallest pyramids in Egypt but was left incomplete at the time of the king's death.

 

Pyramid of Niuserre

The Pyramid of Niuserre is also located in Abu Sir and showcases elaborate temple decorations, typical of the pyramids built during the 5th Dynasty.

 

Pyramid of Teti

Pharaoh Teti's pyramid is one of the smaller structures in Saqqara but is historically significant for containing important burial texts known as the Pyramid Texts.

 

Pyramid of Pepi I

Located in Saqqara, this pyramid was built for Pharaoh Pepi I of the 6th Dynasty. It is one of the best-preserved pyramids from this period.

 

Pyramid of Pepi II

Built for Pharaoh Pepi II, the longest-reigning pharaoh, this pyramid is notable for its age but is largely in ruins today.

 

Pyramid of Merenre

The Pyramid of Merenre, located near Pepi I's pyramid in Saqqara, was built for Pharaoh Merenre, the successor of Pepi I.

 

Pyramid of Unas

This modest-sized pyramid was built for Pharaoh Unas at Saqqara. It is especially famous for the Pyramid Texts inscribed on the interior walls, which provide insight into ancient Egyptian religious beliefs.

 

Pyramid of Djedefre

Situated at Abu Rawash, the Pyramid of Djedefre is believed to have once been the highest pyramid in Egypt, but it is now mostly ruined.

 

Pyramid of Khendjer

Built for Pharaoh Khendjer of the 13th Dynasty, this pyramid is unique for being one of the few pyramids constructed during Egypt’s Middle Kingdom.

 

Pyramid of Amenemhat I

Located in Lisht, the Pyramid of Amenemhat I marks the start of the Middle Kingdom pyramid construction and features both traditional and innovative architectural elements.

 

 

The Different Types of Pyramids in Egypt

 

Egypt's pyramids evolved over time, leading to several distinct types:

• Step Pyramids: The first type of pyramid, most notably the Step Pyramid of Djoser, featured a series of terraces stacked on top of each other. This design represented the transition from mastabas (flat-roofed tombs) to pyramids.
• Bent Pyramids: An intermediate design, the Bent Pyramid of Sneferu had a change in angle halfway through its construction, giving it a bent appearance. This was due to a structural issue encountered during its building, which the architects compensated for by altering the slope.
• Red Pyramids: Named for its reddish hue, the Red Pyramid of Sneferu was the first true pyramid, with smooth, sloping sides. Its success paved the way for the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
• True Pyramids: These are the iconic pyramids with smooth, even sides that rise to a single point. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the most famous example of a true pyramid.

The evolution of pyramid designs showcases the ancient Egyptians' remarkable advancements in engineering and architecture, with each new pyramid building on the lessons learned from previous ones.

 

Unanswered Questions About The Pyramids

 

The pyramids continue to be a source of mystery and speculation. Despite extensive research, there are still many questions that remain unanswered, including:

• How were the stones transported? The limestone blocks used to construct the pyramids, some weighing up to 80 tons, were quarried far from the construction sites. While many theories exist, such as the use of ramps, the exact methods are still not fully understood.
• How were the pyramids aligned with the stars? Many of Egypt’s pyramids, particularly the Great Pyramid of Giza, are aligned with incredible precision to celestial bodies. While it is believed that the ancient Egyptians used astronomical observations to achieve this, the precise techniques remain a topic of debate.

 

Fun Facts About The Pyramids

 

• The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.
• The Great Pyramid of Giza is so massive that it can be seen from space.
• The smallest pyramid in Egypt is the Pyramid of Menkaure, standing at just 62 meters.
• The pyramids were not built by slaves but by skilled workers who were paid for their labor.
• The pyramids were part of larger temple complexes that included mortuary temples, chapels, and other structures.

 

 

Conclusion: How Many Pyramids are in Egypt?

 

So, how many pyramids are in Egypt? While the exact number fluctuates due to discoveries and the erosion of some structures, there are over 118 pyramids scattered across Egypt. From the grandeur of the Pyramids of Giza to the historically significant Pyramids of Saqqara and the lesser-known yet fascinating pyramids of Dahshur, Abu Sir, and Lisht, these structures serve as a testament to Egypt’s extraordinary architectural legacy.

 

These pyramids not only symbolize the ancient Egyptians' belief in the afterlife but also their advanced engineering skyou plan planning a trip to Egypt, visiting these monumental tombs will offer you a journey through time, where each pyramid reveals a different chapter of this ancient civilization.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, exploring Egypt’s pyramids will leave you in awe of a culture that thrived thousands of years ago yet continues to inspire wonder today.