HOA - Egypt Pyramids

Pyramid of Djoser

• Pharaoh: Djoser (3rd Dynasty)

• Height: ~60 meters (197 feet)

• Architect: Imhotep

• Significant Dates: c. 2670–2650 BCE

• Key Takeaways: Considered the earliest colossal stone building in Egypt and the first pyramid; its step design marked a significant evolution in royal tomb architecture.

Meidum Pyramid

• Pharaoh: Sneferu (4th Dynasty)

• Height: ~65 meters (213 feet)

• Architect: Unknown

• Significant Dates: c. 2600–2560 BCE

• Key Takeaways: Initially a step pyramid, later modified into a true pyramid; its partial collapse provides insights into early pyramid construction challenges.

Bent Pyramid

• Pharaoh: Sneferu

• Height: ~104.7 meters (344 feet)

• Architect: Unknown

• Significant Dates: c. 2600 BCE

• Key Takeaways: Notable for its unique bent slope; represents a transitional form between step-sided and smooth-sided pyramids.

Red Pyramid

• Pharaoh: Sneferu

• Height: ~104 meters (341 feet)

• Architect: Unknown

• Significant Dates: c. 2590 BCE

• Key Takeaways: Considered Egypt's first successful attempt at constructing a true smooth-sided pyramid.

Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu)

• Pharaoh: Khufu (Cheops)

• Height: Originally 146.6 meters (481 feet); now ~138.5 meters (454 feet)

• Architect: Hemiunu (presumed)

• Significant Dates: c. 2560 BCE

• Key Takeaways: The largest and most famous pyramid; the only surviving structure of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Pyramid of Khafre

• Pharaoh: Khafre (Chephren)

• Height: Originally 143.5 meters (471 feet); now ~136.4 meters (448 feet)

• Architect: Unknown

• Significant Dates: c. 2530 BCE

• Key Takeaways: Appears taller than Khufu's due to its elevated position; associated with the Great Sphinx.

Pyramid of Menkaure

• Pharaoh: Menkaure

• Height: Originally 65.5 meters (215 feet); now ~61 meters (200 feet)

• Architect: Unknown

• Significant Dates: c. 2510 BCE

• Key Takeaways: Smallest of the three main Giza pyramids; notable for its complex mortuary temple.

Pyramid of Unas

• Pharaoh: Unas (5th Dynasty)

• Height: ~43 meters (141 feet)

• Architect: Unknown

• Significant Dates: c. 2375–2345 BCE

• Key Takeaways: First pyramid to contain the Pyramid Texts, a collection of ancient Egyptian religious texts.