6th Grade Social Studies March 2014 Vol 1 | Page 19

Phenomenal Pyramids
Kira Williamson

The pyramids are something so
special to the Ancient Egyptian pharaohs
and people. These unique monuments were
used for specific reasons. Over the twenty
years thousands of pyramid workers could
be injured or killed. What the pharaoh
demanded the people gave, even if it meant
risking their lives. Pyramids were built to
ensure a place where the pharaoh could go
to the afterlife.

Figure 1 The pyramids of Giza are one of the many
pyramids still standing. The first pyramid was built by
pharaoh Khufu, the second by Khafre and the third by
Menkaure. These three pharaohs are all related to each
other

Most importantly, the pyramids
were used to hold tombs of dead pharaohs.
Each pharaoh had the option of building
their own pyramid. They would build trap
ways to escape if men were to become
trapped. To confuse thieves who wanted to
steal the pharaoh, fake doors and dead
ends would be placed strategically. Once
the pyramid was built the pharaoh still had
expenses to cover. Pharaohs made

endownments for the priest’s income for
his mortuary temple (Morley).

Figure 2 This is an example of a mortuary temple. This
one in particular was made for Queen Hatshepsut. This is
where the people could worship the deceased pharaoh
and wish him or her on in the afterlife. The priests would
do the worshipping.

All in all, pyramids were built under
the command of pharaohs so that they
would have a proper burial place. Every
pharaoh had a pyramid to bury himself in.
Since pyramids were built, pharaohs could
travel to the afterlife. There they would
continue living using their pyramid as their
home or palace.