The ancient Egyptians built pyramids as tombs for pharaohs and their queens. The three largest pyramids were built at Giza during the Old Kingdom. Pyramids were designed with symbolic meanings, representing the primordial mound the Egyptians believed the earth originated from and the sun's rays. The largest, the Great Pyramid of Giza, was built as a tomb for the pharaoh Khufu and remained the world's tallest building for over 3,000 years. Step pyramids were early pyramid designs, including one built for Pharaoh Djoser. The Great Sphinx is thought to represent Pharaoh Khafra and was later buried by sand until its excavation

1. Pyramids By: Israelie R. 8-17

2. Introduction The ancient Egyptians built pyramids as tombfor the pharaohs and their queen. The Pyramids of Egypt are the largest structures ever built Pyramids were burial monuments. The pharaohs were buried in pyramids of many different shapes and shapes. The three largest and best preserved of these were built at Giza at the beginning of the Old Kingdom.

3. Pyramid Symbolism The shape of Egyptian pyramids is thought to represent the primordial mound from which the Egyptians believed the earth was created. The shape is also thought to be representative of the descending rays of the sun. the true pyramid (like the smooth-sided pyramid) was a solar symbol, its shape signifying the rays of the Sun falling to the earth.

4. The Great Pyramid of Giza The world’s tallest building from c. 2570 Bc to c. 1300 AD. It is believed to have been built as a tomb for Fourth dynasty Egyptian pharaoh khufu. It is the only remaining member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

5. Step Pyramid Step Pyramid were the earliest Egyptians pyramid. The first step pyramid was built for Djoser (or Zoser).

6. Great Sphinx The Great Sphinx is thought by most Egyptologists to represent the likeness of King Khafra. After the Giza Necropolis was abandoned, the Sphinx became buried up to its shoulders in sand. The first attempt to dig it out dates back to 1400 BC

7. Pyramid Today There are about eighty pyramids known today from ancient Egypt.

8. The End!!

9. Bibliography http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Sphinx_of_Giza http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_pyramids http://homepage.powerup.com.au/~ancient/pyra1.htm