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The magnificent pyramids have made Egypt renowned across the world; these phenomenal structures are even among the most prominent global landmarks. Not only were the pyramids erected as tombs for the kings and queens of ancient Egypt, but they also served as their final resting places.
But have you ever wondered how many pyramids are in Egypt? And which ones are the most famous pyramids?
Let us explore the magnificent pyramids of Egypt, one of the best Cairo historical sites.
How Many Pyramids Are In Egypt?
The number of Egyptian pyramids varies among different sources. Approximately 118 have been identified, while others suggest numbers as high as 138.
Additionally, over 200 pyramids are believed to exist within the historical Kingdom of Kush, located north of Sudan. The primary purpose of these structures was to serve as tombs for the pharaohs of Egypt and their consorts during the Ancient Egypt dynasty's Old and Middle Kingdom periods.
The Top Pyramids in Egypt:
Egypt boasts a good number of 138 pyramids, and the Giza pyramids are the most renowned among them.
The following is a catalog of the 20 pyramids that stand out the most in Egypt, and most of them are ideal to be visited.
as they are included in the best day trips from Cairo to the Giza pyramids:
Great Pyramid of Giza (Pyramid of Khufu): The largest one, constructed for King Khufu.
- Great Pyramid of Giza (Pyramid of Khufu): The largest pyramid, built for Pharaoh Khufu.
- Pyramid of Khafre: The second-largest pyramid at Giza, built for Pharaoh Khafre.
- Pyramid of Menkaure: The smallest of the three main pyramids at Giza, built for Pharaoh Menkaure.
- Step Pyramid of Djoser: Located in Saqqara, this is the oldest known pyramid, built for Pharaoh Djoser.
- Bent Pyramid: Located in Dahshur, known for its bent slope, built for Pharaoh Sneferu.
- Red Pyramid: Also in Dahshur, named for its reddish limestone, also built for Pharaoh Sneferu.
- Pyramid of Userkaf: In Saqqara, built for Pharaoh Userkaf.
- Pyramid of Unas: Also in Saqqara, known for the Pyramid Texts, built for Pharaoh Unas.
- Pyramid of Teti: Located in Saqqara, built for Pharaoh Teti.
- Pyramid of Pepi I: In Saqqara, built for Pharaoh Pepi I.
- Pyramid of Pepi II: Also in Saqqara, built for Pharaoh Pepi II.
- Pyramid of Sekhemkhet: An unfinished step pyramid in Saqqara, built for Pharaoh Sekhemkhet.
- Pyramid of Sneferu (Meidum Pyramid): Located in Meidum, believed to be an early attempt by Sneferu.
- Pyramid of Amenemhat I: Located in Lisht, built for Pharaoh Amenemhat I.
- Pyramid of Senusret I: Also in Lisht, built for Pharaoh Senusret I.
- Pyramid of Senusret II: Located in El-Lahun, built for Pharaoh Senusret II.
- Pyramid of Senusret III: Pharaoh Senusret III's pyramid in Dahshur.
- Pyramid of Amenemhat II: Pharaoh Amenemhat II's pyramid in Dahshur.
- Pyramid of Ahmose: Pharaoh Ahmose's pyramid in Abydos.
- Pyramid of Djedefre: Pharaoh Djedefre's pyramid, son of Khufu, in Abu Rawash.
The pyramids were those of the ancient Egyptian kings, some of the most significant and historically important structures of the civilization. Now, we will point out the most known and popular pyramids in Egypt:
The Pyramid of Djoser (The Step Pyramid)
Djoser’s Pyramid, located in the Saqqara Necropolis, is considered the first pyramid built in Egypt. This pyramid, which is from the 27th century BC and the Third Dynasty, breaks off from the usual pyramid shape. At first, this pyramid was a flat rectangular mastaba tomb, but then the tomb was extended to a height of 204 feet with six layers, which made it the world’s first large-scale stone building. The Pyramid of Djoser was constructed as Pharaoh Djoser’s tomb and became the world’s first large-scale stone building.
The question regarding the total number of pyramids in Egypt is still a fantastic mystery. Move ahead with your Egypt tours in a customized way and dive into the world of ancient wonders that are not just numbers. If you're going to be in Cairo, don't miss the chance to book the best day trips from Cairo to the Giza pyramids to have a close look at these ancient wonders.
The Bent Pyramid And Red Pyramid
The Bent Pyramid, located in Dahshur, a necropolis to the south of Saqqara and nearby the Red Pyramid, was constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu in the 26th century BC. The Bent Pyramid is unique for containing a shallower 54-degree angle on the top half, lending it the look of being bent. Pharaoh Sneferu's construction of the adjacent Red Pyramid, which is regarded as the first genuine pyramid in Egypt, reached a height of 344 feet. Get to know the mysteries of ancient Egypt and see the pyramids' magnificence directly. This is an open door for a rare experience not to be missed! Discover the finest day excursions from Cairo to the Giza pyramids and make your visit memorable!
The Giza Pyramids
Perhaps the most famous and instantly recognizable pyramids in Egypt are the Giza Pyramids, located on the outskirts of Cairo. These pyramids, constructed during the Fourth Dynasty between 2580 BC and 2560 BC, are among the largest and most complex pyramids. The Giza complex includes three primary pyramids: the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure.
A. Khufu Pyramid
The Khufu Pyramid is the oldest and largest of the Giza pyramids. It is also the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Constructed during the reign of King Khufu Pharaoh, it stands at a height of 146.5 meters (481 feet), containing over 2 million stones weighing 6 million tons. It remained the tallest structure in the world for 4000 years. The Greeks believed it was built with slave labor, while some historians estimate the work involved two teams of 100,000 workers.
B. Khafren Pyramid
The Middle Pyramid at Giza was built for the son of Khufu (Khafre) (2558-2532 BC). A unique feature built inside Khafre’s pyramid complex was the Great Sphinx, a guardian statue carved in limestone with the head of a man and the body of a lion. It was the biggest statue in the ancient world, measuring 240 feet long and 66 feet high. In the 18th dynasty (c. 1500 B.C.), the Great Sphinx was being worshiped as the image of a local form of the god Horus. It has the following Characteristics: The pyramid has a base length of 215.5 m (706 Ft) and A height of 136.4 meters (448 ft.) Only approximately 10 feet shorter than the Great Pyramid. The pyramid is made of limestone blocks weighing more than 2 tons each. The bottom course of the cladding is pink granite, but the higher sections are clad in limestone. It has a slope angle of 53° 13.
C. Menkaure Pyramid
The smallest pyramid at Giza was built for Menkaure, the son of Khafre (2532-2503 B.C.). It is the shortest of the three pyramids (218 feet) and is a precursor of the smaller pyramids that would be constructed during the fifth and sixth dynasties.
The Pyramids in Kush And The Egyptian Influence on Nubia
It is very fascinating that the influence of Egypt reached to Nubia (which is the present-day Sudan), where the Kingdom of Kush built even more pyramids. The Nubian pyramids, which were not located in Egypt but still reflect the cultural and architectural interaction between these ancient civilizations, are, however, within the current boundaries of Egypt. Sudan is home to over 200 pyramids, with the majority of them located in the areas of Nuri and Meroe, which shows the great impact of the Egyptian architectural style.
The Ongoing Discoveries for the Number of Pyramids In Egypt
Archaeology is a field that never stands still, as new discoveries keep coming up all the time. Excavation work combined with advanced technologies such as satellite imaging has made it possible to locate pyramid sites that were previously unknown. Hence, it is likely that the total count of pyramids in Egypt will continue to increase as more come to light and are examined.
Fun Facts About The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt Pyramids:
• The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.
• The Great Pyramid of Giza is so large that it can be seen from space.
• The smallest pyramid, the Pyramid of Menkaure, stands at 62 meters.
• The pyramids were built by skilled workers who were paid for their labor, not by slaves or Aliens.
• The pyramids weren't alone; they were part of a larger arrangement that included temples and other structures alongside them.
The question of how many pyramids exist in Egypt remains a stunning mystery. Exploring these ancient wonders goes beyond just numbers.
Plan your Cairo day Tours today and explore the iconic Giza Plateau. Embark on an unforgettable trip to the Pyramids of Egypt. Discover the wonders of ancient Egypt through our Egypt vacations now!
The preservation of these wonders is a heavy task, as the march of time never stops. Not only civilization's legacy but also a never-ending invitation to uncover the secrets of our common humanity are contained in their old stones. The very existence of the pyramids in Egypt is a perplexing and stunning question. The inquiry into these old marvels, however, is not merely about counting them. Picture yourself in Egypt, taking astonishing tours, and shaping your travel itinerary according to your individual preferences and interests that also involve visiting the magnificent ancient pyramids. Have in mind all the best day trips from Cairo to the Giza pyramids for a comprehensive experience!
Take a tourist program made just for you and uncover the charm of the ancient pyramids during your amazing Egypt tours that are unforgettable.