How many Pyramids are there in the World?
How many Pyramids are there in the World? Let's explore this question!
Pyramids are one of the most iconic architectural structures in the world (created by humans), known for their impressive size and historical significance that connects with kingdoms and dynasties of ancient history. While many people are familiar with the pyramids of Egypt because of their thoughts about how those stones were structured in a way to make a pyramid, there are actually pyramids located all over the world and all of them are wonderful as well.
In this informative article, we will explore the question of how many pyramids are in the world to provide you with an exact answer, as well as provide some interesting facts and frequently asked questions about these fascinating structures and much more.
Let's read now:
How Many Pyramids Are in the World?
As there are many still standing, partially visible, and even destroyed pyramids around the globe the exact number of pyramids in the world is difficult to determine. Also, many structures are similar to pyramids but may not be considered true pyramids by experts in archeology and history.
However, it is generally agreed upon that there are at least 118 approved pyramids in the world (and other 20 nonverified but known pyramids), located in various countries around the globe with majority in Egypt.
The majority of these pyramids are located in Egypt, where there are over 100 pyramids still standing today.
The most famous of these is the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Other notable pyramids in Egypt include the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Pyramid of Djoser to name a few.
Outside of Egypt, there are also pyramids located in countries such as Mexico, Peru, Sudan, and China.
- In Mexico, the ancient Maya civilization built a number of impressive pyramids, including the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan (they may use them to pray to gods).
- In Peru, the Inca civilization constructed the Pyramid of Huaca Pucllana, which is located in the city of Lima.
- In Sudan, there are over 200 small and large pyramids located in the city of Meroe, which was once the capital of the Kingdom of Kush (conquerors of Egypt).
- In China, there are a number of pyramids located in the city of Xi'an, including the Pyramid of Qin Shi Huang, which is believed to be the tomb of the first emperor of ancient China.
This was a quick overview for you to read easily, now let me show you the insides:
Pyramids by Country
To help you get some quick information, here's a table of some of the top countries where pyramids are located and the number of pyramids in each country:
| Country | Number of Pyramids |
|---|---|
| Egypt | Over 100 |
| Mexico | 22 |
| Peru | 11 |
| Sudan | Over 200 |
| China | Over 100 |
| Guatemala | 2 |
| El Salvador | 1 |
| Greece | 1 |
| Italy | 1 |
| United States | 1 |
| Total | Over 440 |
The total number of pyramids calculates to over 440 but there's still a twist here:
Some sources claim that there are only 118 known pyramids in the world, rather than the 138 that I mentioned above. The exact number of pyramids can be difficult to determine because it depends on how you define a pyramid, and how you count them.
For example, some sources may only count pyramids that are still standing today, while others may include pyramids that have been completely destroyed or are only partially visible. Some sources may also have different criteria for what qualifies as a pyramid, such as minimum size or shape.
Here's a comprehensive table to help you understand it clearly as here's what we know about the most known pyramids in the world:
11 Most Popular Pyramids of The World:
| Pyramid | Location | Civilization | Date | Status | Height | Base Length | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Pyramid of Giza | Egypt | Ancient Egypt | 2580 BC | Standing | 147 meters (481 feet) | 230 meters (755 feet) | Square |
| Pyramid of Khafre | Egypt | Ancient Egypt | 2520 BC | Standing | 136 meters (446 feet) | 215 meters (706 feet) | Square |
| Pyramid of Menkaure | Egypt | Ancient Egypt | 2510 BC | Standing | 65 meters (213 feet) | 108 meters (354 feet) | Square |
| Bent Pyramid | Egypt | Ancient Egypt | 2600 BC | Standing | 105 meters (344 feet) | 189 meters (620 feet) | Bent |
| Red Pyramid | Egypt | Ancient Egypt | 2600 BC | Standing | 104 meters (341 feet) | 220 meters (722 feet) | Square |
| Pyramid of Djoser | Egypt | Ancient Egypt | 2670 BC | Standing | 62 meters (203 feet) | 109 meters (358 feet) | Step |
| Step Pyramid of Sekhemkhet | Egypt | Ancient Egypt | 2650 BC | Partially Visible | 70 meters (230 feet) | 121 meters (397 feet) | Step |
| Pyramid of the Sun | Mexico | Aztec | 1st century AD | Standing | 71 meters (233 feet) | 225 meters (738 feet) | Square |
| Pyramid of the Moon | Mexico | Aztec | 2nd century AD | Standing | 45 meters (147 feet) | 150 meters (492 feet) | Square |
| Pyramid of Cestius | Italy | Roman Empire | 12 BC | Standing | 37 meters (121 feet) | 29.5 meters (97 feet) | Square |
| Pyramid of Khendjer | Sudan | Kingdom of Kush | 2nd century BC | Partially Visible | Unknown | Unknown | Square |
These are some of the most known and popular pyramids that are standing or partially visible.
In general, the number of pyramids in the world is constantly evolving as new discoveries are made from time to time and old structures are re-examined to make sure if they count as a pyramid or not. It is possible that some sources are using older data or may not have included recently discovered pyramids in their counts.
That being said, it is important to note that the exact number of pyramids is not as important as their historical and cultural significance. Pyramids represent a fascinating aspect of human history and continue to capture our imagination to this day.
Let's dive deeper by talking about pyramids in each country:
1. Egypt:
Egypt is a country steeped in history, and its pyramids are perhaps some of the most famous and well-known monuments in the world that even scientists and common people tend to think about with a scientific research mindset. With over 100 known pyramids in the country, it's no surprise that Egypt is considered the epicenter of pyramid construction.
The most famous pyramids in Egypt are located at the Giza complex, which includes the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the largest pyramid in Egypt, and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Other notable pyramids in Egypt include the Pyramid of Djoser, which is considered the oldest pyramid in Egypt that was made by ancient Egyptians, and the Pyramid of Senusret III, which is the largest pyramid in Egypt after the pyramids at Giza.
2. Sudan:
While Egypt may be home to the majority of the world's pyramids, Sudan is not far behind. With over 200 pyramids, mostly constructed by the Kingdom of Kush between the 8th century BC and the 4th century AD, Sudan is a country rich in pyramid history.
The largest concentration of pyramids in Sudan is located in the ancient city of Meroe, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Kush. The pyramids at Meroe are smaller than those in Egypt and have a distinctive design, with steep angles and narrow tops. Not just Meroe but there are also pyramids located at other sites in Sudan, including the pyramids at Nuri and Gebel Barkal which makes you think that the real masters of the pyramids were the people of the Kush empire.
3. Mexico:
Mexico is a country rich in ancient Mesoamerican history, and its pyramids are some of the most impressive examples of this cultural heritage. The famous Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon at Teotihuacan are some of the most iconic pyramids in Mexico and were constructed by the Aztecs during the first and second centuries AD.
Also Read: Who has the biggest forehead in the world?
The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest pyramid in Mexico, and one of the largest in the world, with a height of 71 meters (233 feet). If you still think there's more then you are right, there are a few more pyramids at Cholula and El Tajin in Mexico.
4. Peru:
Peru is a country with a rich and diverse cultural history, and its ancient pyramids are a testament to the incredible achievements of past civilizations. The famous Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon at the Moche site of Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna are some of the most impressive pyramids in Peru. The Moche civilization flourished in Peru between the 1st and 8th centuries AD and constructed several large pyramids made of adobe brick. The Pyramid of the Sun at Huaca del Sol is the largest adobe structure in the Americas, with a base length of over 200 meters (656 feet).
In addition to the pyramids at Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna, there are also several other ancient pyramids located throughout Peru, including the pyramids at Caral and Tucume.
5. China:
China is home to several ancient pyramids that are located in the Shaanxi province, near the city of Xi'an. These pyramids were constructed during the Han Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty, and are unique in that they are made out of earth and clay, rather than stone or adobe. The largest pyramid in China is the Maoling Mausoleum, which is the final resting place of Emperor Wu, who ruled China from 141 – 87 BC. Other notable pyramids in China include the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which are smaller in size but still impressive structures.
Although not as well-known as other pyramids in the world, the Chinese pyramids offer a fascinating insight into the ancient civilization that built them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pyramids
Q: What is a pyramid?
A: A pyramid is a large, four-sided structure with a triangular-shaped top that was commonly used as a tomb or temple in ancient times. Pyramids were built by a number of different civilizations around the world, including the Egyptians, the Maya, the Inca, and the Aztecs.
Q: How were pyramids built?
A: The exact method used to build pyramids varied depending on the civilization and time period, but most pyramids were constructed using large stone blocks or bricks. Workers would quarry the stones from nearby quarries and transport them to the construction site, where they would be shaped and fitted together using a system of ramps, sledges, and pulleys.
Q: Why were pyramids built?
A: Pyramids were built for a number of different reasons, but the most common use was as a tomb for a ruler or other important person. Pyramids were also sometimes used as temples or other religious structures in ancient times.
Q: How long did it take to build a pyramid?
A: The time it took to build a pyramid varied depending on the size and complexity of the structure being built. The Great Pyramid of Giza, for example, is believed to have taken around 20 years to build, with an estimated workforce of around 100,000 people (if that was possible at that time).
Q: How tall are pyramids?
A: The height of pyramids also varied depending on the civilization and time period of their living on the planet Earth. The Great Pyramid of Giza, which is the largest pyramid in Egypt, stands at a height of 147 meters (481 feet) making it the largest one. The Pyramid of the Sun in Mexico, which is the largest pyramid in the Americas, stands at a height of 71 meters (233 feet).
Q: What materials were used to build pyramids?
A: Pyramids were typically constructed using large stone blocks or bricks, which were quarried from nearby quarries with the help of human labor. In some cases, mud bricks were used instead of stone.
Q: Are all pyramids in Egypt?
A: No, pyramids are located in various countries around the world, including Mexico, Peru, Sudan, China, and others.
Q: Can you go inside the pyramids?
A: In some cases, visitors are allowed to enter the pyramids. However, this varies depending on the pyramid and its location. Some pyramids, such as the Great Pyramid of Giza, have interior chambers that are open to visitors, while others (in some countries) may be off-limits due to safety concerns.
Q: Why are pyramids shaped like triangles?
A: The triangular shape of pyramids is believed to have been influenced by the shape of the sun's rays, which were thought to be a symbol of the pharaoh's power and authority to give the ruler power of Gods (as believed in ancient times).
Q: Are all pyramids tombs?
A: No, while most pyramids were built as tombs, there were some that were used for other purposes, such as temples or religious structures.
Conclusion
While the exact number of pyramids in the world is difficult to determine, it is generally agreed upon that there are at least 138 (118 verified) known pyramids located in various countries around the globe.
The majority of these pyramids are located in Egypt, where over 100 pyramids still stand today. However, pyramids can also be found in countries such as Mexico, Peru, Sudan, China, and a few other countries.
Pyramids are fascinating structures that have played an important role in the history and culture of many civilizations till today. They are known for their impressive size and architectural complexity, as well as their historical and cultural significance.
Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates the wonder of the world, pyramids are definitely worth exploring and I recommend you to travel to your nearest pyramid at least once in your life.
