Pyramids Are Not Only Found in Egypt
You may have heard about Egypt and the Giza pyramids, but did you know that there are many other pyramids around the world, some even older and more magnificent? Join us as we explore five lesser-known pyramids, unveiling a new chapter in the history of timeless wonders.
Pyramids exist beyond just Egypt. (Photo: Pinterest)
Pyramids – Symbols of Timeless Grandeur
When people think of pyramids, the first image that often comes to mind is that of the pyramids in Egypt. However, the reality is that many other pyramids exist around the world, products of various cultures. Each culture has its own unique characteristics and purposes for its pyramids.
According to RPS, the term “pyramid” refers to structures with a square base and four triangular sides.
For the ancient Egyptians, pyramids served as tombs for Pharaohs and queens during the Old Kingdom and Middle Kingdom periods. The shape of the Egyptian pyramid is believed to symbolize the primordial mound from which the Earth was created, as well as the rays of the sun.
Pyramids refer to structures with a square base and triangular sides. (Photo: Pinterest)
For thousands of years, the largest architectural structures on Earth have been pyramids. Some of the most recognized pyramids include the Red Pyramid in the Dashur Necropolis and the Great Pyramid of Khufu, both in Egypt – the latter being one of the seven wonders of the ancient world still in existence. The largest pyramid by volume is the Great Pyramid of Cholula, located in Puebla, Mexico.
The Sumerians are believed to be the earliest builders of pyramid-like structures known as ziggurats. In ancient times, ziggurats were often brightly painted with gold or bronze. Since they were built with sun-dried mud bricks, very few remains exist today. Ziggurats were constructed by the Sumerians, Babylonians, Elamites, Akkadians, and Assyrians. These ziggurats were not used for religious rituals; the ancient Mesopotamians believed ziggurats were the dwelling places of the gods.
The earliest records of ziggurats date back to the 6th century BCE. Unlike the pyramids in Egypt, the tops of ziggurats were usually flat, taking various shapes: rectangular, oval, or square. Each ziggurat was part of a temple complex that included other buildings.
The Sumerians are believed to be the earliest builders of pyramid-like structures known as ziggurats. (Photo: Pinterest).
According to Ancient Origins, the pyramids of civilizations in the Americas, notably the Maya, were used as sacrificial sites (for human offerings) to deities and are also remarkable constructions.
Additionally, other cultures such as Nigeria, Greece, Spain, China, Rome, India, and Indonesia have their own unique pyramids, each with distinct characteristics.
5 Mysterious Lesser-Known Pyramids
Here are five lesser-known pyramids that still exist around the world.
1. Pyramid of Cestius, Italy: This is one of the least-known pyramids in the world. Located in the heart of Rome, the Pyramid of Cestius is approximately 2,000 years old. Constructed along the Via Ostiensis, an important road in ancient Rome, between 18 and 12 BCE, this pyramid symbolizes the blending of two cultures: ancient Egypt and ancient Rome.
Pyramid of Cestius, Italy. (Photo: Pinterest).
2. Pyramids on Tenerife, Canary Islands: These pyramids are located in Güímar, a town in the southern part of the island. The pyramids on Tenerife are made from volcanic lava stones without the use of mortar. They are a testament to the development of the Guanche culture, the indigenous people of the Canary Islands.
Pyramids on Tenerife, Canary Islands. (Photo: Pinterest).
3. Great Pyramid of Cholula, Mexico: This is the largest monument in the world, with a base four times larger than the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt and a volume nearly double that. Constructed by the Cholula people, one of the oldest cultures in Mexico, this pyramid symbolizes their cultural and architectural advancement.
Great Pyramid of Cholula, Mexico. (Photo: Pinterest).
4. Pyramid of Meroë, Sudan: Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt, with over 200 pyramids primarily concentrated in Meroë. These pyramids were built by the Kushite civilization, an ancient culture in northern Sudan, and are considerably smaller than the Egyptian pyramids.
Pyramid complex of Meroë, Sudan. (Photo: Pinterest).
5. Pyramid of El Tajín, Mexico: El Tajín is a pyramid located in the northern part of Veracruz, Mexico. It has 17 tiers and was built by the Totonac people. This is one of the unique architectural masterpieces of ancient American civilizations.
Pyramid of El Tajín, Mexico. (Photo: Pinterest).
