The pyramids of Egypt were concentrated in specific necropolises along the river Nile, including Saqqara, Dahshur, Abusir, Abu Rawash, and Giza, each linked to royal capitals and cult centers. Their design incorporated complex funerary temples, causeways, and subsidiary pyramids, forming integrated mortuary complexes. While only around one hundred pyramids have been identified, a smaller number are historically central due to their architectural innovations, inscriptions, or cultural impact. From the pioneering step pyramid at Saqqara under Djoser to the vast true pyramids of the Fourth Dynasty and the smaller, text-inscribed pyramids of the later Old Kingdom, these monuments collectively chart the trajectory of Egyptian royal ideology and engineering mastery.

circa 2650 BCE

Step Pyramid of Djoser
The Step Pyramid of Djoser, second king of the 3rd dynasty, was built within a vast enclosure on a commanding site at Ṣaqqārah, overlooking the city of Memphis. A high royal official, Imhotep, has traditionally been credited with the design and with the decision to use quarried stone. Fine reliefs of the king and elaborate wall panels in glazed tiles in parts of the subterranean complexes are among some of the several new innovations found in this remarkable monument. In March 2020, the Pyramid of Djoser, was opened to the public after a 14-year restoration costing nearly $6.6 million.

circa 2645 BCE

Pyramid of Sekhemkhet
Sekhemkhet's pyramid is sometimes referred to as the Buried pyramid and was first excavated in 1952 by Egyptian archaeologist Zakaria Goneim. A sealed sarcophagus was discovered beneath the pyramid, but when opened was found to be empty. It was planned as a step pyramid from the first. Its base was a square measuring 378 ft x 378 ft (220 x 220 cubits). If the pyramid had been completed, it would have had six or seven steps and a final height of 240.5 ft (140 cubits). These proportions would have given the pyramid an angle of elevation of 51˚50', identical to the pyramid at Meidum and the Great Pyramid at Giza.

circa 2630 BCE

Layer Pyramid
The so-called Layer Pyramid at Zawyet el-Aryan, attributed to King Khaba of the Third Dynasty, consists of an unfinished step pyramid whose core masonry of horizontal stone layers gives it its name. Its state of incompletion, with little surviving above the foundation, makes it difficult to reconstruct its intended form, though it reflects continuity of the step-pyramid tradition. The surrounding necropolis has provided evidence of elite burials connected to the royal court.

circa 2600 BCE

Meidum Pyramid
The Meidum Pyramid, attributed to King Sneferu at the cusp of the Fourth Dynasty, began as a step pyramid and was later transformed into a true pyramid. Its outer casing and much of its core collapsed in antiquity, leaving its distinctive tower-like appearance. Despite its ruinous state, Meidum represents the transitional stage in pyramid design, bridging earlier stepped forms and the smooth-sided pyramids that followed.

circa 2600 BCE

Bent Pyramid
The Bent Pyramid of Sneferu, at Dahshur, Sneferu also built the Bent Pyramid, an early attempt at a true pyramid whose sides change angle midway, producing its characteristic bent profile. This adjustment, likely due to structural instability, illustrates the challenges faced by ancient builders in experimenting with large-scale inclined masonry. The Bent Pyramid is notable for retaining much of its original limestone casing, providing rare insight into the pyramids’ original appearance.

circa 2590 BCE

Red Pyramid
The Red Pyramid was Sneferu’s final and most successful project was the Red Pyramid at Dahshur, Egypt’s first fully realized true pyramid, standing at 105 meters in height. Its reddish limestone gives the monument its modern name. The Red Pyramid’s stable design and scale established the model for subsequent Fourth Dynasty pyramids, marking the culmination of Sneferu’s architectural innovations and setting the stage for the great monuments at Giza.

circa 2575 BCE

Pyramid of Djedfre
Djedefre, successor of Khufu, built his pyramid at Abu Rawash rather than Giza. Although now heavily ruined, archaeological evidence suggests it once had considerable height and possibly innovative architectural features. Later quarrying removed most of its stone, but surviving fragments of statues and inscriptions confirm Djedefre’s role in continuing the pyramid-building tradition, albeit in a different location.

circa 2570 BCE

Pyramid of Khafra
Pyramid of Khafre, the second great pyramid of Giza, was built by Khufu’s second son Khafre. It seems larger than that of Khafre's father, Khufu. At just 136 meters high, it’s not, but it stands on higher ground and its peak is still capped with the original polished limestone casing. The Pyramid of Khafra, the second pyramid at Giza, stands slightly lower than Khufu’s Great Pyramid but appears taller due to its elevated bedrock. It is distinguished by remnants of its original casing stones at the apex and by its association with the Great Sphinx, generally attributed to Khafra’s reign. The pyramid complex includes a valley temple notable for its fine basalt paving and massive granite pillars, reflecting the zenith of Old Kingdom craftsmanship.

circa 2570 BCE

Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza, completed circa 2560 BCE, is the largest and most renowned pyramid of Egypt, originally standing at 146.6 meters. Comprising millions of limestone blocks and precisely aligned to the cardinal points, it reflects the extraordinary organizational and engineering capabilities of the Fourth Dynasty. Its internal passages and the King’s and Queen’s Chambers continue to inspire research and debate, while its monumental presence has made it the most iconic surviving wonder of the ancient world.

circa 2510 BCE

Pyramid of Menkaure
The smallest of the three main Giza pyramids belongs to Menkaure, built to a height of 65 meters. Uniquely, it was partly clad in granite, a more durable and costly material than limestone, suggesting deliberate symbolic choices. The associated triad statues of Menkaure and goddesses found near his valley temple stand as masterpieces of Old Kingdom sculpture, emphasizing the pyramid’s role as a focal point of cultic and artistic expression.

circa 2510 BCE

Pyramid of Userkaf
Userkaf, founder of the Fifth Dynasty, constructed his pyramid at Saqqara near Djoser’s complex. Now largely reduced to rubble, the pyramid originally stood about 49 meters tall. Its associated mortuary temple marked a shift in emphasis toward sun temples and solar theology, reflecting the religious changes that characterized the dynasty.

circa 2510 BCE

Pyramid of Sahure
The Pyramid of Sahure at Abusir, although modest in size at around 48 meters, is notable for its elaborate mortuary temple decorated with finely carved reliefs depicting royal ceremonies, expeditions, and deities. These scenes represent some of the best surviving examples of Old Kingdom temple decoration, making Sahure’s complex a key source for understanding Fifth Dynasty ideology and court life.

circa 2510 BCE

Pyramid of Neferirkare
Neferirkare’s pyramid at Abusir began as a step pyramid but was converted into a true pyramid, standing originally about 72 meters high. It is the largest at Abusir and significant for the discovery of papyrus archives from the mortuary temple, providing invaluable administrative records of temple function and priestly duties.

circa 2510 BCE

Pyramid of Neferefre
Neferefre’s pyramid at Abusir was left unfinished at his early death, completed only as a low mastaba-like structure. Despite its incompletion, the associated papyrus finds and evidence of ongoing cultic activity indicate its functional importance. Excavations have also revealed fragments of royal statues, shedding light on Fifth Dynasty royal imagery.

circa 2510 BCE

Pyramid of Shepseskare
The pyramid attributed to Shepseskare remains uncertain, with only an unfinished base at Abusir, possibly representing the beginning of construction before the king’s short reign ended. Its incomplete state leaves many questions, but it aligns with the general pattern of Fifth Dynasty pyramid building centered at Abusir.

circa 2510 BCE

Pyramid of Nyuserre
Nyuserre built his pyramid at Abusir, reusing materials from unfinished projects of his predecessors. Though smaller than earlier structures, its mortuary temple and causeway demonstrate careful planning and continuity of cult practices. Nyuserre also constructed one of the best-preserved sun temples of the dynasty, reflecting the increasing importance of solar worship alongside pyramid building.

circa 2510 BCE

Headless Pyramid
The so-called Headless Pyramid at Saqqara, identified in modern times as belonging to King Menkauhor of the Fifth Dynasty, survives only as ruins with its superstructure largely destroyed. Despite its poor state, inscriptions and fragments have confirmed its attribution, making it an important part of the Saqqara necropolis landscape.

circa 2510 BCE

Pyramid of Djedkare-Isesi
The Pyramid of Djedkare-Isesi at Saqqara, originally about 52 meters high, is today badly damaged. Its associated mortuary complex was extensive, reflecting the king’s long reign and administrative reforms. Though less imposing than earlier pyramids, it testifies to the persistence of royal pyramid construction into the later Fifth Dynasty.

circa

Black Pyramid
The Black Pyramid at Dahshur, constructed under Amenemhat III of the Twelfth Dynasty, represents a Middle Kingdom revival of pyramid building. Built of mudbrick with a limestone casing, it collapsed in antiquity, giving it its dark ruinous appearance. Despite structural failure, its internal arrangement with multiple corridors and chambers illustrates advanced experimentation with complex funerary architecture.

circa

Pyramid of Unas
The Pyramid of Unas, last king of the Fifth Dynasty, is small in scale but historically significant as the first pyramid to include the Pyramid Texts inscribed on its internal walls. These funerary spells, intended to ensure the king’s safe passage to the afterlife, mark a major religious development that would influence subsequent funerary traditions.

circa

Pyramid of Teti
The Pyramid of Teti at Saqqara, dating to the Sixth Dynasty, continued the tradition of inscribed pyramids, with Pyramid Texts carved within its burial chambers. Although the superstructure is now largely ruined, the site includes subsidiary pyramids and mastabas of officials, reflecting the ongoing importance of pyramid complexes as focal points of elite and royal cult activity.