In association with THE BRITISH MUSEUM Be an eyewitness to the massive and mysterious pyramids- from the phenomenal tombs of Egypt's pharaohs to the majestic temples of Mexico.

THE PYRAMIDS OF EGYPT have fascinated people for thousands of years. How did the ancient Egyptians build these massive stone monuments, and why?The most famous pyramids are the three at Giza,near modern Cairo. But there are more than 80 other pyramids in Egypt, and another 100 further south in the Sudan. Each one is a tomb, built by a pharaoh (king) as the final resting place for his body. The pyramid was meant to help the dead pharaoh achieve eternal life. But we may never know why the Egyptians chose the pyramid shape. It may have developed from early burial mounds, or been a symbol of the sun's rays or a stairway to heaven.Many centuries later, the people of Central America also built pyramids, mainly as temples. Hundreds of these are still hidden in the deep jungles.

What are pyramids?

  Built for a king

  The great Step Pyramid

The Step Pyramid complex

 First true pyramids

The pyramids of Giza

The pharaohs of Giza

 The Great Pyramid

 Inside the pyramid

Temples and offerings

  The Great Sphinx

   Funeral boats

Planning the pyramid

Building in brick and stone

 Tools for building

 The pyramid rises

  A slow decline

The Middle Kingdom revival

 Pyramidions

Riddles of the pyramids

  Pyramids of Nubia

  Pharaohs of Nubia

  A queen's treasure

 Pyramids of Mexico

Mayan pyramids

Aztec pyramids

The pyramid lives on...

Did you know?

  Who's who

Find out more

  Glossary

   Index