Bible Dictionaries
Pyramids

Holman Bible Dictionary

(pihr' eh mihd) Four-sided structures have captivated visitors to Egypt for centuries. The present name apparently originated with some ancient Greek tourists who jokingly called the monuments “wheatcakes.” This may describe the first “step pyramid,” built by Djoser (Zoser) at Saqqara, but it was an injustice to those erected at Giza which represent one of the seven wonders of the world. The fourth dynasty (about 2520-2480 B.C.) reflected the zenith of pyramid construction.

The most well known of these artificial mountains rises majestically on the edge of the Nile near Cairo (at Giza). The “Great Pyramid” stands 481 feet high with a base of 755 feet. This was constructed by Cheops (Khufu) about 2580 B.C. His son, Chephren (Khafre), and grandson, Mycerinus (Menkaure), followed in their father's footsteps literally building in his shadow. Although not as grand, pyramids were constructed at various other places along the Nile including the distinctive “Bent Pyramid” at Dashur.

The purpose of these edifices was to intomb and immortalize the rulers. They actually act as focal points for a whole complex of buildings including a funerary temple, a causeway to a valley building near the Nile, and buried barges to carry the deceased to his eternal abode. They were not meant to be, however, astro-observatories or generators of mystical power. See Archaeology; Egypt .

Gary C. Huckabay