While many of us recognize with the Great Pyramid of Giza, there are other pyramids around the globe that are equally fascinating– and, believe it or not, among them is really larger. And its not even in Egypt to boot!
Covert deep in the sands of Egypt and the jungle of Mexico are towering structures that have actually stood the test of time. These are the pyramids, grand structures that have actually amazed researchers, historians, and tourists for centuries.
Pyramids, once signs of power and wealth, can be found all over the world, from Sudan to China. Lets check out the worlds biggest pyramids and the tricks they hold.
The Great Pyramid of Cholula– Mexico
La Danta temple was constructed in between 900 and 300 BC, throughout the height of the Maya civilizations power. It is located in the ancient city of El Mirador, which was among the biggest and most influential cities of the Maya world. At its peak, El Mirador was house to an estimated 200,000 individuals, and its imposing structures controlled the surrounding landscape.
Despite being among the largest structures worldwide, the pyramid was hidden from view for centuries. When the Spanish conquistadors attacked the sacred temple complex, they killed and shackled much of the population, and began settling the location. Of course, this suggested solidifying their Christian conquest by requiring the belonging to change to their faith, as well as putting up many churches.
The Great Pyramid of Giza was as soon as covered in a white casing made of glimmering limestone which was so refined that it would reflect the suns rays. Once the pyramid was completed, “it should have really added to the impression of Giza as a magical port city, bathed in sunshine,” states archaeologist Mark Lehner in a clip for the Smithsonian, in which the production group digitally rebuilded what the Great Pyramid of Giza looked like in its moments of glory.
Teotihuacan, Pyramid of the Sun. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
The base of the pyramid determines 230 meters (755 feet) on each side, making it one of the largest structures of its kind on the planet. The temple was built using an approximated 15 million cubic feet of stone and earth, which was transported to the website by an army of employees utilizing just simple tools and strategies.
Pyramid of Khafre and the Great Sphinx, Giza. Credit: Flickr.
Another mystery surrounding the Bent Pyramid is the lack of any inscriptions or markings on its walls. Unlike other pyramids in Egypt, the Bent Pyramid does not consist of any hieroglyphs or other forms of composing. This has led some specialists to believe that the pyramid was never really utilized as a tomb.
Built over a period of a number of centuries by the Aztecs prior to the Spanish conquest, the Great Pyramid of Cholula is the largest pyramid on the planet by volume, covering a location of 4 acres at its base. It increases just 66 meters (217 feet) over the surrounding plains, the ancient Aztec pyramid has a base four times larger than Gizas and nearly two times the volume.
The Red Pyramid has actually undergone substantial remediation and preservation efforts over the last few years, consisting of the setup of brand-new lighting systems that permit visitors to check out the pyramids interior with higher clarity. This makes it a great location to visit amongst Egyptian pyramids, far from the busy traffic and tourist traps of Giza.
What sets it apart from other pyramids in Egypt is its uncommon shape. The pyramid rises at a steep angle from the base, but, about midway up, the angle changes, causing the pyramid to slope inward. This offers it an unique bent look and makes it special among pyramids throughout the world.
Credit: The Smithsonian.
Height: 136 meters (448 ft) Built in: mid-26th century BCVolume: 2.2 million cubic meters (78 million cubic feet).
Sneferus bent pyramid at Dahshur, an early experiment in true pyramid structure. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
The building of La Danta temple was a significant undertaking. The temple was developed in a stepped pyramid shape, with nine levels that were thoroughly created to align with the cycles of the sun and moon. The external walls of the temple were covered in complex carvings and stucco decors, depicting scenes from Maya mythology and history.
The Maoling Mausoleum– China.
The mausoleum is a huge complex that covers an area of over 46,000 square meters. It is surrounded by an enormous earthen wall, which is over 6 meters high and more than 2,400 meters in area. Inside the wall, there are numerous buildings, temples, and pavilions, all of which were built with the finest materials and embellished with complex carvings and paintings.
The Red Pyramid, likewise called the North Pyramid, is the biggest of the pyramids situated at the Dahshur necropolis in Cairo, Egypt. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
La Danta seen from above. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
The Red Pyramid– Egypt.
Height: 72 meters (236 ft) Built in: 900– 300 BC Volume: 2.8 million cubic meters (99 million cubic feet).
The blocks were sculpted from nearby limestone quarries and carried to the site via a network of ramps and canals. The precision with which the blocks were cut and put is still amazing, with each block fitting completely into location, even without mortar.
The Great Pyramid of Giza– Egypt.
The Maoling Mausoleum was built for Emperor Wu, who ruled China from 141 to 87 BC. Wu was among the most influential and effective emperors in Chinese history, and his reign was marked by a duration of prosperity and growth. To commemorate his accomplishments, he commissioned the construction of an elegant tomb that would befit his status as one of the best rulers of China.
The Pyramid of the Sun– Mexico.
The Bent Pyramid lies in the ancient necropolis of Dahshur, just south of Cairo. Developed during the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu, the Bent Pyramid is thought to have been constructed around 2600 BC.
The Great Pyramid of Khafre– Egypt.
Not all is what it seems. Beneath the small church, concealing under tufts of lawn, trees, and soil, lay the Great Pyramid of Cholula, a monolith of genuinely gigantic proportions. It wasnt discovered until the early 20th century when residents wished to construct an asylum for the mentally ill on the hill.
Located in the Dahshur necropolis, about 25 miles south of Cairo, the Red Pyramid is so called due to the fact that of the reddish limestone blocks used in its building. Its made up of an approximated 2.3 million limestone blocks, each weighing in between 2 and 80 lots.
However the real marvel of Teotihuacans pyramids lies not just in their size, but in the engineering and architectural genius that entered into their construction. The builders of Teotihuacan did not have access to the innovative tools and technology of modern times (they didnt even use the wheel and seldom wrote script), yet they were able to develop structures that have actually stood the test of time and weathered centuries of earthquakes, disintegration, and human activity.
The base of the great Cholula Pyramid. Image by Poco a poco/Mexico. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
Design of the Great Pyramid of Cholula, consisting of the church erected by the European settlers, who had no concept what lay underneath the hill. Credits: Wikimedia Commons.
With this much workmanship associated with its construction, it is perhaps not all that unexpected that Khufu is the oldest and sole remaining undamaged marvel of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Regardless of its excellent size and intricacy, La Danta temple was abandoned by the Maya individuals around 900 CE, and the city of El Mirador was eventually lost to the jungle. For centuries, the temple lay covert beneath a layer of dense vegetation, its real scale and grandeur unknown to the outside world.
The Great Pyramid of Khafre, also referred to as the Pyramid of Chephren, is the second-largest of the 3 pyramids at Giza, and it remains among the most remarkable ancient structures on the planet.
The Pyramid of the Sun, the largest of Teotihuacans pyramids, stands an incredible 65 meters tall and covers an area of over 22,000 square meters. Constructed between 100 and 200 ADVERTISEMENT, it was initially covered in stucco and painted in lively colors, making it a lot more imposing and outstanding. The Pyramid of the Moon, somewhat smaller sized however no less remarkable, stands at the northern end of the Avenue of the Dead and is believed to have actually been used for routine and ceremonial purposes.
Height: 146 meters (481 ft) Built in: early 26th century BCVolume: 2.6 million cubic meters (92 million cubic feet).
Height: 105 meters (344 ft) Built in: mid-26th century BCVolume: 1.69 million cubic meters (59 million cubic feet).
The sides and base of the Great Pyramid of Khufu are also aligned to the four primary directions– North, South, East, and West. Scholars do not quite understand precisely how the ancient Egyptians attained this level of accuracy, however it is possible that they based this on the sun and the stars.
The pyramid was built over a period of 20 years, and it was an enormous undertaking that required the labor of thousands of employees. The limestone blocks were quarried from nearby sources, and then carried to the construction website utilizing sledges and ramps. The employees then utilized an advanced system of wheels and levers to raise the enormous stones into location, creating the pyramids iconic shape.
One of the most intriguing functions of the pyramid is the so-called “air shafts,” which are narrow passages that extend from the kings chamber to the outside of the pyramid. These shafts were most likely utilized for ventilation purposes, but their precise function remains a mystery to this day.
The Bent Pyramid was not the very first pyramid built throughout Sneferus reign. Prior to this, he had actually commissioned the construction of the Meidum Pyramid, which failed due to structural problems. It is thought that the Bent Pyramid was an effort to rectify the mistakes made during the building of the Meidum Pyramid.
Credit: China.org.cn.
As we stand in the shadow of these incredible monoliths, we are reminded of the withstanding tradition of human ingenuity and the wonders of the ancient world.
While the Red Pyramid was developed as Sneferus final resting location, it is unclear why he chose this place for his pyramid. Some believe that it was due to the pyramids proximity to the ancient city of Memphis, while others believe that it was selected because of its location in a sacred location connected with the god of the dead, Osiris.
The worlds largest and most amazing pyramids are not just awe-inspiring in their size and architecture but likewise use a look into the technological and cultural advancements of ancient civilizations. These incredible structures have stood the test of time and continue to captivate us with their secret and beauty.
The Great Pyramid of Khafre was developed as a burial place for the pharaoh Khafre, who ruled Egypt during the 26th century BC. Khafre was the son of Khufu, the pharaoh who commissioned the largest of the three pyramids at Giza. Although the Great Pyramid of Khafre is smaller sized than its next-door neighbor, it is still an awe-inspiring sight, towering over the desert landscape.
Travelers fear of the Pyramids of Giza to this day, however one can only picture what they appeared like in their prime time. Countless years of disintegration, wars, earthquakes, robbery, and just bad management have actually taken their toll on these magnificent pyramids.
Amongst the lush green hills of Chinas Shaanxi Province lies a covert ancient marvel of the world: the Maoling Mausoleum. Constructed over 2,000 years earlier, this monumental burial place is a testimony to the power and splendour of the Han Dynasty.
Deep in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle, shrouded by the dense foliage of the Petén Basin, lies among the greatest architectural achievements of the ancient Maya civilization: La Danta temple. Rising over 72 meters (236 feet) into the sky, this breathtaking structure is a testament to the ingenuity and ability of the individuals who built it.
Despite the comprehensive research study conducted on the Bent Pyramid, many mysteries surrounding its building and function still stay. One of the most appealing concerns is why the angle of the pyramid modifications midway up.
Height: 65 meters (216 feet) Built in: 200 AD (abandoned in 750 AD) Volume: 1.18 million cubic meters (41.8 million cubic feet).
While the exterior of the Great Pyramid of Khafre is outstanding, the interior is simply as remarkable. The pyramid has a number of chambers and passages, consisting of a grand gallery that causes the kings chamber, where Khafres sarcophagus was positioned. The chamber is made from red granite and is lined with inscriptions and hieroglyphics that tell the story of the pharaohs life and reign.
The Red Pyramid is the third biggest pyramid in Egypt and the first true pyramid ever constructed. Prior to its building and construction, pyramids had a stepped design, like the famous Pyramid of Djoser. Nevertheless, Pharaoh Sneferu wanted a smoother, more refined pyramid for his everlasting resting place, therefore the Red Pyramid was born.
It is estimated that over 100 million adobe bricks were used to build this marvel, which was initially topped with a temple. Nevertheless, by the time the first Europeans got here, this specific pyramid– one of numerous temples at Cholula– had been abandoned for many years and covered in thick greenery.
At the heart of the complex lies the burial place itself, which is the biggest and most outstanding structure in the mausoleum. The burial place is an enormous earthen mound that increases to a height of over 40 meters and has the shape of a pyramid with its suggestion cut off. It is surrounded by a moat and a number of layers of walls and gates, which were created to protect the tomb from trespassers and burial place raiders.
Height: 104 meters (344 ft) Built in: early 27th century BCVolume: 1.23 million cubic meters (43 million cubic feet).
Researchers tunneled through the base of the pyramid from 2008 to 2010, discovering a number of ritual offerings, consisting of an eagle with a pyrite disk on its back. This symbol would appear centuries later on in Aztec iconography showing an eagle carrying the world on its back.
The Bent Pyramid of Giza– Egypt.
The Pyramid of the Sun, the biggest of Teotihuacans pyramids, stands an amazing 65 meters high and covers an area of over 22,000 square meters.
The Red Pyramid is the third largest pyramid in Egypt and the very first real pyramid ever built. Prior to its construction, pyramids had actually a stepped style, like the well-known Pyramid of Djoser. The Bent Pyramid was not the very first pyramid built throughout Sneferus reign. It is thought that the Bent Pyramid was an attempt to correct the mistakes made throughout the construction of the Meidum Pyramid.
Height: 25 meters (82 feet) Built in: 3rd century BC through 9th century advertisement in 4 stagesVolume: 4.45 million cubic meters (158 million cubic feet).
La Danta– Guatemala.
It is comprised of over 2.3 million limestone blocks, each weighing between 2 and 70 loads. The accuracy of the construction is remarkable, with the sides of the pyramid lined up to the primary points of the compass with a precision within less than one degree.
Perhaps the most popular pyramids in the world, the Pyramids of Giza have been a marvel of engineering and building for over 4,500 years. The biggest of the 3 pyramids, the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or the Great Pyramid of Giza), was initially 146 meters (481 ft) tall and is approximated to have actually taken just about 30 years to construct.
Found simply beyond Mexico City, the ancient city of Teotihuacan was among the largest and most prominent cultural centers of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. At its peak, it was house to over 100,000 individuals and covered a location of nearly 20 square kilometers. However the most impressive aspect of Teotihuacan is undoubtedly its significant pyramids, which control the landscape and inspire awe in all who witness them.
Height: 46 meters (150 ft) Built in: 89 BC Volume: 2.8 million cubic meters (99 million cubic feet).
One of these churches called the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remediosa was developed on what they thought was a big hill.
Cholula is not only the largest pyramid ever constructed– its the biggest monolith ever built anywhere, by any civilization, to this day. Let that sink in for a minute.