Ask any seasoned traveler which ancient monument left the deepest impression on them, and chances are they’ll mention the Pyramids of Giza.

Different people are drawn to them for different reasons: some admire their immense size, others their flawless engineering, and many are simply awestruck by their age.

Unsurprisingly, when the topic of pyramids arises, it’s the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza that most often comes to mind. But Egypt’s pyramid legacy extends far beyond this iconic structure.

The Origins of Pyramid Building: Saqqara and Djoser’s Vision

According to Egyptologist Ahmed Fakhry, pyramid-building began at Saqqara, around 2,780 BC, under Pharaoh Djoser of the Third Dynasty.

Under the guidance of his visionary architect Imhotep, Djoser broke from tradition and initiated the construction of Egypt’s first pyramid-shaped monument—the Step Pyramid—a massive stone structure unlike anything before it.

The Step Pyramid soared to a height of 62.5 meters and was originally clad in gleaming limestone. Even more remarkable is what lies beneath: over 5.7 kilometers of underground tunnels and chambers—an architectural marvel both above and below ground.

Abandoned Projects and the Move to Meidum

Though Djoser’s achievement was monumental, successors like Sekhemkhet and other rulers tried to emulate it but failed to complete their projects. Examples like the Buried Pyramid and Layer Pyramid reflect this.

Then came Sneferu, founder of the Fourth Dynasty and the most prolific pyramid builder. His first project at Meidum reveals the transition from step to smooth-sided pyramids. Although partially collapsed today, it laid the foundation for even more ambitious structures.

The Bent and Red Pyramids: Sneferu’s Innovations

Sneferu next built the Bent Pyramid, famous for its sudden change in angle partway up—possibly due to structural concerns or a design shift. Following that, he commissioned the Red Pyramid, Egypt’s first successful smooth-sided pyramid.

Together, these pyramids mark major milestones in Egyptian architecture. Yet, none of them are accompanied by contemporary documentation explaining how they were constructed.

The Great Pyramid: Peak of Ancient Engineering, Still a Mystery

Finally, Sneferu’s son, Khufu, built the Great Pyramid of Giza, a structure so massive and precise it remained the tallest man-made building for nearly 4,000 years.

Constructed with over 5.5 million tons of limestone, 8,000 tons of granite, and 500,000 tons of mortar, it was supposedly completed within 20 years—all without the use of wheels, pulleys, or iron tools.

Despite its scale and historical importance, no ancient texts, blueprints, or records exist detailing how the Great Pyramid—or any pyramid before it—was built. The methods, tools, and processes remain a profound mystery.