The pyramids at Giza, Egypt. Image courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org

Arguably, nothing today is more symbolic of the engineering prowess of the ancient Egyptians than the pyramids. Most of these pyramid-shaped structures are believed to have been constructed between 3000 BC and around 1800 BC, a period between the old and middle kingdoms of ancient Egypt. Over 100 pyramids still survive today, though many more certainly existed before. It is believed that most pyramids were constructed as tombs for the Pharaohs and other members of the royalty.

The pyramids at Giza are the most known. The largest of these, the pyramid of Khufu (popularly known as the great pyramid of Giza), is the only remaining member of the “Seven wonders of the ancient world”.

All the pyramids are situated west of river nile, mostly in groups of several pyramids. While the Giza pyramids, not very far from Cairo, attract many visitors to Egypt due to their massive size, there are other pyramids in other locations with even richer culture and heritage. Other pyramid sites include:

• Abu Rawash
• Abu Sir
• Dahshur
• el-Lahun
• Hawara
• Mazghuna
• Lisht
• Meidum
• Saqqara
• Zawyet el-Aryan