Pyramids are found in different parts of our planet, most of them are small in size and step structure. But there are among them those that stand out for their size. Their purpose is also different. Some of them were temple buildings, others were used as a burial place.
Many people still cannot understand how such huge, complex buildings were built at a time when technology was primitive and people's knowledge was limited. The pyramids are shrouded in a veil of secrecy. But, nevertheless, it is impossible to challenge their existence, they are part of our history, which proves that thousands of years ago, people could build unique buildings.
We present to you the ranking of the 10 highest pyramids in the world: a list of the greatest tombs of the pharaohs in Egypt, many of which are already partially destroyed.
List
- 10. The pyramid of Userkaf, 44.5 m
- 9. Djoser Pyramid, 62 m
- 8. Pyramid of the Sun, 64 m
- 7. Pyramid of Mykerin, 66 m
- 6. The Great Pyramid of Cholula, 77 m
- 5. Pyramid in Meidum, 93.5 m
- 4. The broken pyramid, 104.7 m
- 3. The Pink Pyramid, 105 m
- 2. Chefren's Pyramid, 143.9 m
- 1. Pyramid of Cheops, 146.6 m
10. The pyramid of Userkaf, 44.5 m
Located in the Egyptian village of Saqqara. It was first investigated and described in 1831, and managed to get inside it in 1839. It was later established that its builder is Userkaf, the first pharaoh of the V Dynasty.
Usercaf Pyramid different from its predecessors, as simpler and less expensive construction technologies were used. Thanks to this, they were able to build it in a short time, completed during the life of the pharaoh. But this method was also less reliable. The walls, made of soft limestone, quickly crumbled, forming a mountain of debris, so it was preserved very poorly.
9. Djoser Pyramid, 62 m
This six-speed pyramid of impressive sizes, from 125 to 115 m, was one of the first to appear in ancient Egypt. It was built in 2650 BC. also in Saqqara. Pharaoh Djoser was buried in it. Imhotep, who was then the highest dignitary, was engaged in construction. The core of the tomb was made of limestone.
Djoser Pyramid was intended for the entire family of the deceased. A total of 11 funeral chambers were prepared, designed for all his wives and children, but Joser himself was not found in it. And all because the pyramid was robbed more than once in antiquity, there are several manholes done by the robbers.
8. Pyramid of the Sun, 64 m
It is located in Mexico, 40 km from the capital, Mexico City. It is considered one of the largest buildings of the ancient city of Teotihuacan. Its height is 64.1 m. It is part of a large temple complex. What the Teotihukans called her is unknown. These names were invented by the Aztecs, who visited these places in the XIII century.
The name of this city can be translated as "a place where people became gods». «Pyramid of the Sun"Is also called by them, because the Aztecs believed that once the gods gathered here, so that the Cosmos received new forces.
The pyramid consisted of 2 levels. There was an altar on the second level, but it has not survived to our times. But now it’s hard to say which deity was worshiped here, because the temple at the top of the pyramid was destroyed either by nature or by man.
The surface of the pyramid was covered with a solution of lime, which was mined nearby, as well as bright wall paintings, but over time it all disappeared and disappeared.
7. Pyramid of Mykerin, 66 m
This is the lowest of all the pyramids in Giza, its height was 65.55 m, but now does not exceed 62 m. Most likely, at first it was small and was not intended for the heir to the throne, but then it was increased. But, despite the fact that it has a modest size, huge monoliths were used for its construction. So, the weight of one of them exceeded 200 tons.
Mycerin Pyramid, or as she was called, Menkaur Pyramid, was once one of the most beautiful, because at that time, art was well developed. A third of it was decorated with red granite. Such she remained 4 thousand years, until in the 16th century she was removed from the lining.
The pyramid was badly damaged by the Sultan al-Malik al-Aziz. He decided to demolish the entire necropolis of Giza and began with it, as the smallest. It was destroyed for 8 months, but then stopped, because the destruction was costly.
6. The Great Pyramid of Cholula, 77 m
This is a large complex of ancient structures, which can be viewed in the Mexican city of Cholula. Now most of it is covered with soil. It is called one of the largest in volume, it was recorded in the Guinness Book.
The pyramid was dedicated to Quetzalcoatl, "feathered snake"Which was once worshiped by the locals. Great Pyramid of Cholula It is located 12 km from the central part of Puebla. Translated from the Aztec language, "Cholula" means "place of refuge" or "escape place". This pyramid was built in several stages, it took several centuries to complete, but it became one of the largest.
Already in the VIII century, the pyramid was no longer looked after, and when the Spaniards got here, it was overgrown with vegetation. In the 16th century, a church was built on its top, and until the 20th century, no excavations were conducted here.
5. Pyramid in Meidum, 93.5 m
It can be found 100 km from Cairo. Once it consisted of seven steps, but now only 3 are left in sight. It was built for the pharaoh Huni from limestone sides. The son of Pharaoh Snofu decided to expand the building by adding the eighth step.
Pyramid in Meidum severely affected by erosion. The masonry was taken away by the local population, therefore, if initially its height was 93.5 m, then today it is only 65. It began to be studied back in 1799, the Egyptian expedition of Napoleon was interested in the pyramid. Later, a lot of researchers visited here.
In 1999, modern instruments helped to find unknown walkways and rooms, and restoration work is currently underway there.
4. The broken pyramid, 104.7 m
She is located in Dahshur. It is believed that Pharaoh Snofru was engaged in its construction. They call her "Broken pyramid", and "cut off», «diamond-shaped"Because it has an irregular shape. It differs from other pyramids in that it has more than one entrance, as was customary before, but two, why the second is needed, and could not figure it out.
The German Egyptologist Ludwig Borchard believes that the king, for whom the pyramid was intended, died unexpectedly, so it was necessary to urgently complete the work, for which they sharply changed the angle of inclination of the faces, and it acquired its unusual shape.
According to another version, this is due to an accident, after rains, the lining could collapse, so I had to change the original form when it was already half completed.
3. The Pink Pyramid, 105 m
They call her and Northern pyramid. It is one of the largest in the Dakhshur necropolis. Pink pyramid It got its name because of the color of the blocks, which become this color in the sun at sunset.
It was built of pinkish limestone, once the walls were protected by white, but back in the Middle Ages most of it was removed to build houses. It is believed that this is the Snofru pyramid, because inside his name was drawn. Its height was 109.5 m, but now it is 105 m.
2. Chefren's Pyramid, 143.9 m
Located on the Giza Plateau, near the Great Sphinx. Its original height was 143.9 m, and they called it Urt hafrathat meant "Hafra is great". Now its height is 136.4 m.
Once there was a funeral complex where Chefren's pyramid intended for the pharaoh, nearby was a smaller building for his wife. A temple, a road, fences were built here. All these buildings were completed. At the top of the pyramid was a granite pink pyramidon, but, unfortunately, it was lost, but all the stones of its fastening reached us.
1. Pyramid of Cheops, 146.6 m
One of the largest pyramids, one of the Wonders of the World, which has survived to our times. Located on the Giza plateau, for more than 3 thousand years it was considered the tallest building on our planet. Its height was 146.6 m, now - 138.7. Its architect was Cheops' nephew, Hemiun.
It was made of blocks of granite and limestone; its lining is harder limestone. But in 1168, the Arabs attacked Cairo, plundered it, and they also removed the lining from the Pyramid of Cheopsused it for the construction of houses.