Egyptian PyramidsEgyptian Pyramidsof the Old Kingdomof the Old Kingdom

Pyramids in terms of the Nile RiverPyramids in terms of the Nile River

Pyramids were built on the Western side of Pyramids were built on the Western side of the Nile River, while most people, the Nile River, while most people, including the Pharaoh lived on the Eastern including the Pharaoh lived on the Eastern side.side.

Believed the Nile River was a passage way Believed the Nile River was a passage way to the next life.to the next life.

They believed when the sun set, it went They believed when the sun set, it went into the afterlife. Therefore, crossing the into the afterlife. Therefore, crossing the Nile River is like crossing over into the Nile River is like crossing over into the next life.next life.

Purpose of the PyramidsPurpose of the Pyramids The Pyramids were primarily built for The Pyramids were primarily built for

the tombs of the Pharaoh’s. the tombs of the Pharaoh’s. Wanted to make sure the Pharaoh Wanted to make sure the Pharaoh

survived in the afterlife.survived in the afterlife. They believed the pharaoh and his They believed the pharaoh and his

belongings had to remain untouched for belongings had to remain untouched for the pharaoh to survive in the afterlife.the pharaoh to survive in the afterlife.

Honor their God’sHonor their God’s

Who built the Pyramids?Who built the Pyramids? It was believed at one point that It was believed at one point that

slaves built the pyramids.slaves built the pyramids. Now, they believe the everyday Now, they believe the everyday

Egyptians built the pyramids. They Egyptians built the pyramids. They were known as the Peasants and were known as the Peasants and they did most of their work during they did most of their work during the harvest’s off-season.the harvest’s off-season.

How did they build the Pyramids?How did they build the Pyramids?

Used limestone which was found along the Used limestone which was found along the Nile River.Nile River.

1 limestone block weighed from 2-14 tons!1 limestone block weighed from 2-14 tons! Used their minds and their strength to Used their minds and their strength to

build them.build them. Stonemasons cut the limestone into blocksStonemasons cut the limestone into blocks They put the blocks on a huge ramp with a They put the blocks on a huge ramp with a

slight incline and pushed and pulled the slight incline and pushed and pulled the stone blocks on rollers.stone blocks on rollers.

Continued…Continued… Casing stones were used to fill in the Casing stones were used to fill in the

steps. Level by level, top to bottom, steps. Level by level, top to bottom, the stones were fitted and chiseled the stones were fitted and chiseled to a flat surface. Then they were to a flat surface. Then they were polished to make the pyramid shine!polished to make the pyramid shine!

It took thousands of workers many It took thousands of workers many years to complete just one pyramid, years to complete just one pyramid, and this includes leveling the site! and this includes leveling the site! (Where do we build?)(Where do we build?)

Why did they stop building Why did they stop building pyramids?pyramids?

Grave robbers were too common Grave robbers were too common “We have GOLD”“We have GOLD”Tremendous costTremendous costTook a long time to buildTook a long time to build

How did they continue to protect How did they continue to protect the KA and body of the pharaoh the KA and body of the pharaoh

without pyramids?without pyramids? Started to bury the mummified Started to bury the mummified

bodies under ground.bodies under ground.

Located in the Valley of the Kings. Located in the Valley of the Kings.