Pyramid

Pyramid

A Pyramid is a structure whose outer surfaces are triangular and converge to a single point at the top, making the shape roughly a pyramid in the geometric sense. The base of a pyramid can be trilateral, quadrilateral, or of any polygon shape. As such, a pyramid has at least three outer triangular surfaces (at least four faces including the base). The square pyramid, with a square base and four triangular outer surfaces, is a common version.

Etymology

The term pyramid is derived from the Greek word πυραμίς. This term was used to describe the ancient Egyptian buildings because they reminded the Greeks of pointy-tipped wheat cakes. The Egyptian term for these structures was something like "mer", which means "place" or "abode".

History

Pyramids have been built by civilizations in many parts of the world. For thousands of years, the largest structures on Earth were pyramids—first the Red Pyramid in the Dashur necropolis and then the Great Pyramid of Khufu, both of Egypt, the latter the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still remaining.

Construction techniques

Many hypotheses exist as to how the ancient Egyptians constructed pyramids. One suggestion is that they were built out of mud brick and then covered with limestone. The Tura limestone used for the casing was quarried across the river. The largest granite stones in the pyramid, found in the "King's" chamber, weigh 25 to 80 tonnes and were transported from Aswan, more than 800 km away.

See also

• List of pyramids
• Egyptian pyramid construction techniques
• Pyramid (geometry)
• Pyramid power

External links

• PBS's NOVA: "Pyramids — The Inside Story"
• Guardian's Egypt - Main Entrance
• British Museum - Ancient Egypt

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