The oldest pyramid is at Giza and it is the largest one in Egypt. It is called the Great Pyramid of Khufu and it stood 146 meters high when it was first built, which was around 2570 B. C.. Now 46 centuries later it is still over 135 meters tall. It is believed to have about 2.3 million limestone blocks which weigh about 2.5 tons each.
The pyramids in Egypt are said to be some of the largest structures ever built by man. They are also one of the most enduring symbols of Ancient Egyptian civilization. Most of the pyramids were built during the Old and Middle Kingdom eras. By the dynastic era in early Egypt history, those who could afford it were buried in structures much like benches and they were called mastabas. The first documented pyramid is said to have been built by the architect known as Imhotep. He planned a tomb for the pharaoh Djozer. It is believed that it may have been him who came up with the idea of stacking the mastabas on top of each other, creating ‘steps’ which decreased in size toward the top. The design was meant to be this way in order for the souls of the deceased to ascend into the heavens. The importance of this was such that Imhotep’s achievement was later worshiped by the Egyptians.
The most famous pyramids were built during the greatest degree of absolutist pharaonic rule. Over time the resources to build these massive structures decreased so they were built much smaller and were built quickly and were not as structurally sound as the earlier ones. Today, in Sudan, there are pyramids being built. This happened after the rule of the country came under the Kings of Napata.
The Egyptians believed that the shape of the pyramids was representative to the primordial mound from which the earth was created. It was also thought to be the descending rays of the sun. Most pyramids were faced with polished white limestone so they would have a brilliant appearance from a distance.
Some of the many pyramids built were named, Djozer, Sneferu, Khufu, Djedefre, Khafre, Menkaure, Sahure, Neferirkare Kakai, Nyuserre Ini, Amenemhat I, Senusret I, Senusret II, and Amenemhat III.