http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids Explore images of the Egyptian pyramids at Giza, Saqqarah, Dahshur and Maydum. en Copyright 2013, History.com Mon, 20 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT History.com 2013-05-20T04:00:00Z en Copyright 2013, History.com http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo1 The pyramids of Menkaure, Khafre and Khufu (from left), erected on the west bank of the Nile River. Built between 2575-2465 BCE to serve as burial monuments for three Egyptian kings, they were included among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo1 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo2 Part of the large burial ground at Saqqarah, the step pyramid of Djoser (2650-2575 BCE) was one of the first Egyptian burial structures constructed in the shape of a pyramid. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo2 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo3 A large system of passageways and temples surround the pyramid of Djoser, displaying some of the earliest limestone construction in Egypt. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo3 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo4 Begun between 2650-2575 BCE by King Huni as a step pyramid, the Pyramid of Maydum was completed by his successor, King Snefru. Snefru attempted to fill in the steps and coat the pyramid with a fine limestone, but the pyramid ultimately collapsed. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo4 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo5 One of the two extant pyramids built by King Snefru (2575-2551 BCE) at Dahshur. An early attempt to build a true pyramid, the initial angle of the walls (52 degrees) was too steep, and the top section was rounded off to 43.5 degrees. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo5 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo6 The first true pyramid completed in Egypt, the North Pyramid of Dahshur was built by King Snefru between 2575-2551 BCE. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo6 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo7 Erected between 2575-2465 BCE, the pyramids of Menakure, Khafre, and Khufu (from foreground to background) range in height from 481 feet (Khufu) to 218 feet (Menkaure). Originally covered in smooth limestone, only the top of Khafre retains this original outer casing. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo7 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo8 Approximately 2.3 million blocks of stone were cut and assembled to create the 5.75 million ton Great Pyramid of Khufu. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo8 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo9 The sides of the Great Pyramid rise at 51 degrees and are aligned to the four points of the compass. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo9 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo10 The Grand Gallery leads to the burial chamber of King Khufu, deep within his pyramid. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo10 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo11 Built during the reign of King Khafre (4th dynasty c.2575-c.2465 BCE), the reclining Sphinx is a portrait statue of the Egyptian leader. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo11 http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo12 A view of the Giza pyramids from Cairo. http://www.history.com/photos/egyptian-pyramids/photo12