The Egyptian pyramids are ancient structures in Egypt. Currently, there are between 113-138 identified pyramids. These were built as tombs for pharaohs. The most famous Egyptian pyramids are at Giza. Giza is on the outskirts of Cairo. The Pyramids of Giza are the largest structures ever built. The Pyramid of Khufu is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
In the Early Dynastic Period, people who were wealthy were buried in mastabas. Mastabas were rectangular tombs. The tombs were made of mud bricks. Imhotep, an architect, came up with the idea of stacking mastabas on top of each other. This created steps that got smaller toward the top. He designed the first pyramid, the Pyramid of Djoser. This pyramid was meant to be a large stairway for Pharaoh Djoser to ascend to the heavens.
While the main purpose of pyramids was to be burial monuments, there are principals that went into their creation. A narrow shaft extending from the main burial chamber points directly towardbank of the Nile River. The west bank of the Nile is where the sun sets. It is associated with the dead in Egyptian myths.
For a long time, the construction of these huge structures was a mystery. Very large amounts of stone needed to be moved. Herodotus, an ancient Greek historian, once described the pyramid builders as slaves. This created a myth that was perpetuated by movies. Archaeologists have compiled evidence that shows that the workers were paid. They were well respected. Those who died during construction were honored by being buried in the tombs near the sacred pyramids of their pharaohs. In 2013, archaeologist Pierre Tallet discovered the journal of an Egyptian who was involved in transporting limestone along the Nile River. This revealed how the Great Pyramid of Giza was constructed.
Many pyramids are now in poor states. They are not well preserved. Some are buried by desert sands. Some only appear as mounds of rubble. Archaeologists are working to preserve them. They are continuing to find and study pyramids.
the center of the sky. It is thought that these pyramids were designed to send the deceased pharaoh’s soul into the sky. All of the Egyptian pyramids were built on the west bank of the Nile River. The west bank of the Nile is where the sun sets. It is associated with the dead in Egyptian myths.
For a long time, the construction of these huge structures was a mystery. Very large amounts of stone needed to be moved. Herodotus, an ancient Greek historian, once described the pyramid builders as slaves. This created a myth that was perpetuated by movies. Archaeologists have compiled evidence that shows that the workers were paid. They were well respected. Those who died during construction were honored by being buried in the tombs near the sacred pyramids of their pharaohs. In 2013, archaeologist Pierre Tallet discovered the journal of an Egyptian who was involved in transporting limestone along the Nile River. This revealed how the Great Pyramid of Giza was constructed.
Many pyramids are now in poor states. They are not well preserved. Some are buried by desert sands. Some only appear as mounds of rubble. Archaeologists are working to preserve them. They are continuing to find and study pyramids.

Inferencing Practice using The Egyptian Pyramid Text.

Directions: Preview and read the text first. Then, complete the two practice tasks below.

I infer...the pyramids were very important to the Egyptian society. Find and highlight with yellow two examples of text evidence that support this inference.

Read the passage from the text and use the picture of the pyramids to infer about the shape of Egyptian Pyramids.

“Imhotep, an architect, came up with the idea of stacking mastabas on top of each other. This created steps that got smaller toward the top. He designed the first pyramid, the Pyramid of Djoser. This pyramid was meant to be a large stairway for Pharaoh Djoser to ascend to the heavens.”

What about the Egyptian pyramids shape can you infer from the passage?