An estimated 35 pyramids still currently stand near the Nile River. Also it is estimated to have 40 smaller pyramids where queens would be buried in. The pyramids shape is religious to the Egyptians. The slopes on the side of the pyramids reminded Egyptians of the rays of the sun which corresponded with the sun god Ra. It is believed that the soul of the king could climb the rays into the sky and join the Gods.
The oldest, therefore the first, pyramid was contrasted for king Djoser who died in 2649 BCE. The pyramid that was constructed for him is a step pyramid. A step pyramid is not what someone would typically think a pyramid would look like. The step pyramid was made by stacking mastabas on top of each other while the mastabas would decrease in size as you went up. This created the world’s oldest stone structure. Mastabas are rectangular tombs with sides that sloped and had a flat top. The royal family of the king and his higher officials were usually buried in these mastabas.
The best known pyramids are the pyramids of Giza. These pyramids are well known for their size and for being the best preserved. There are 10 total pyramids at Giza. The three largest pyramids were made for kings between 2600 and 2500 BCE. The largest was made for King Khufu, second for king Khafre, and third was for king Menkaure. Near king Khafre’s pyramids is a