Pyramids

I will understand how Pyramids were formed, and why they were vital to Ancient Egyptian culture.

What do we already know?

How were the pyramids built? Pyramids originated from simple rectangular "mastaba" tombs that were being constructed in Egypt over 5,000 years ago. The pharaoh Djoser (reign started around 2630 B.C) advanced the structures into the first Pyramid, as his mastaba tomb at Saqqara started off as a simple rectangular tomb before being developed into a six-layered step pyramid with underground tunnels and chambers. The pyramids were built through trial and error, and failed structures. Workmen were thought to drag huge stone blocks over the sand from local quarries. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2118KSUSF8

Additional Facts 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. Nearly all Egyptian Pyramids are located on the west bank of the Nile. Egyptian Pyramids often contain multiple chambers and passages.

Why were they built? Pharaohs began to order construction to ensure their afterlife was protected. Once a Pharaoh died, they were buried inside with all their gold and belongings. Pharaohs delegated their Vizers to coordinate the construction on Pyramids

What use did the Pyramids serve for Ancient Egyptians? The Pyramids served as monument's to Pharaohs, burial grounds for some Pharaohs such as Tutankhamen, and as links to the gods.

Great Pyramid of Giza 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 in height, it still stands around 146 metres above the ground.

What changed over time? Tomb robbers targeted many of the royal tombs and most were eventually robbed. After 500 years, Pharaohs began to be buried into the cliffs in the Valley of the Kings due to grave robbing within the Pyramids. 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. The only Pyramid which wasn’t raided over time was Tutankhamen’s.

Activities Humanities Alive textbooks Read page 70 and 71 Complete activity 2.