Pyramids are ancient structures that have fascinated humans for millennia. They are usually associated with the ancient civilizations of Egypt, but they can be found in many other parts of the world as well. Pyramids are typically built as tombs or monuments for powerful rulers or religious figures, and they often display remarkable engineering and architectural skills. In this article, we will explore some of the largest pyramids in the world, based on their base length, height, and volume. We will also learn about their history, purpose, and significance.
The Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the most famous and the oldest of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It is also the largest pyramid in the world by base length and height. It was built around 2560 BC by the pharaoh Khufu (also known as Cheops) as his royal tomb. The pyramid is estimated to have a base length of 230.4 meters (756 feet) and a height of 146.7 meters (481 feet) when it was completed, although it has lost some of its outer casing stones and its original capstone over time. The pyramid has a volume of about 2.6 million cubic meters (91.8 million cubic feet), which is equivalent to the volume of 16 Empire State Buildings. The pyramid is made of about 2.3 million limestone and granite blocks, each weighing an average of 2.5 tons. The pyramid is aligned with the cardinal directions and has three main chambers: the King’s Chamber, the Queen’s Chamber, and the Subterranean Chamber. The pyramid also has several shafts, passages, and chambers that are still not fully explored or understood. The pyramid is part of a larger complex that includes two smaller pyramids, several smaller mastabas (flat-roofed tombs), a mortuary temple, a causeway, a valley temple, and the Great Sphinx. The Great Pyramid of Giza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of ancient Egyptian civilization.
The Pyramid of Cholula
The Pyramid of Cholula, also known as Tlachihualtepetl (meaning “artificial mountain”), is the largest pyramid in the world by volume. It is located in the town of Cholula, in the state of Puebla, Mexico. It was built over a period of more than a thousand years, from the 3rd century BC to the 9th century AD, by various Mesoamerican cultures, such as the Olmec, Toltec, and Aztec. The pyramid has a base length of 450 meters (1,480 feet) and a height of 66 meters (217 feet), although it is partially buried under a hill and a Spanish colonial church. The pyramid has a volume of about 4.45 million cubic meters (157.2 million cubic feet), which is more than one and a half times the volume of the Great Pyramid of Giza. The pyramid is composed of several smaller pyramids built on top of each other, each with its own temple, staircase, and altar. The pyramid was dedicated to the god Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent, and was a center of pilgrimage and ritual for the region. The pyramid is also known for its extensive network of tunnels and chambers that run beneath its surface, some of which are open to the public. The Pyramid of Cholula is a national monument of Mexico and a major tourist attraction.
The Pyramid of the Sun
The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest pyramid in the ancient city of Teotihuacan, in the Valley of Mexico. It was built around the 2nd century AD by the Teotihuacan civilization, which dominated central Mexico from the 1st to the 7th century AD. The pyramid has a base length of 225 meters (738 feet) and a height of 75 meters (246 feet), making it the third largest pyramid in the world by base length and height. The pyramid has a volume of about 1.2 million cubic meters (42.3 million cubic feet), which is about half the volume of the Great Pyramid of Giza. The pyramid is made of adobe bricks covered with stone and stucco. The pyramid is aligned with the east-west axis and has a large staircase on its west side that leads to a temple on its summit. The pyramid is part of a larger complex that includes the Pyramid of the Moon, the Avenue of the Dead, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, and many other structures. The pyramid was a focal point of religious and social activities for the Teotihuacan people, who believed that it was the place where the sun was born. The pyramid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for visitors.
The Luxor Hotel
The Luxor Hotel is a modern pyramid-shaped hotel and casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. It was built in 1993 by the Mandalay Resort Group and is named after the ancient city of Luxor in Egypt. The hotel has a base length of 183 meters (600 feet) and a height of 111 meters (364 feet), making it the fourth largest pyramid in the world by base length and height. The hotel has a volume of about 827,000 cubic meters (29.2 million cubic feet), which is about a third of the volume of the Great Pyramid of Giza. The hotel has 4,407 rooms, a casino, a theater, a museum, a spa, a nightclub, and several restaurants and bars. The hotel is also known for its iconic features, such as the Sky Beam, the world’s strongest beam of light that shines from the top of the pyramid, the Sphinx, a replica of the ancient Egyptian statue that guards the entrance, and the Atrium, the world’s largest open-air atrium that spans the interior of the pyramid. The hotel is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Las Vegas and attracts millions of visitors every year.
The Red Pyramid
The Red Pyramid, also known as the North Pyramid, is the largest of the three pyramids of Dahshur, in Egypt. It was built around 2600 BC by the pharaoh Sneferu, the father of Khufu, as his second attempt to build a smooth-sided pyramid after the failure of the Bent Pyramid. The pyramid has a base length of 220 meters (722 feet) and a height of 104 meters (341 feet), making it the fifth largest pyramid in the world by base length and height. The pyramid has a volume of about 1.69 million cubic meters (59.6 million cubic feet), which is about two-thirds of the volume of the Great Pyramid of Giza. The pyramid is made of red limestone blocks, which gave it its name. The pyramid has a unique feature of having two entrances, one on the north side and one on the west side, both leading to a series of chambers and corridors inside the pyramid. The pyramid is also the first successful example of a true pyramid shape in Egypt, with smooth and even sides. The pyramid is a testament to the engineering and architectural achievements of the ancient Egyptians.
Conclusion
Pyramids are impressive structures that showcase the culture, religion, and power of the people who built them. They are also fascinating monuments that reveal the history, art, and science of the ancient world. In this article, we have explored some of the largest pyramids in the world, both ancient and modern, and learned about their features, functions, and significance. We hope that you have enjoyed this article and that it has inspired you to learn more about these amazing structures. Thank you for reading. 😊
FAQs
Q: What is the largest pyramid in the world by volume?
A: The largest pyramid in the world by volume is the Pyramid of Cholula in Mexico, with a volume of about 4.45 million cubic meters (157.2 million cubic feet).
Q: What is the largest pyramid in the world by base length and height?
A: The largest pyramid in the world by base length and height is the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, with a base length of 230.4 meters (756 feet) and a height of 146.7 meters (481 feet).
Q: What is the largest pyramid in the world by area?
A: The largest pyramid in the world by area is the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, with an area of about 53,000 square meters (570,000 square feet).
Q: What is the largest modern pyramid in the world?
A: The largest modern pyramid in the world is the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, USA, with a base length of 183 meters (600 feet) and a height of 111 meters (364 feet).
Q: How many pyramids are there in the world?
A: There is no definitive answer to this question, as different sources may have different criteria and definitions for what constitutes a pyramid. However, some estimates suggest that there are more than 1,000 pyramids in the world, most of them located in Egypt, Sudan, Mexico, and China.
