.PYRAMID.
pyramid
Ancient monumental structure constructed of or faced with stone or brick and
having a rectangular base and four sloping triangular sides meeting at an apex.
Pyramids have been built at various times and places; the best-known are those
of Egypt and of Central and South America. The pyramids of ancient Egypt were
royal tombs. Each contained an inner sepulchral chamber that housed the deceased
(usually mummified) ruler, members of his entourage, and artifacts. The rest of
the pyramid complex consisted of a large enclosure, an adjacent mortuary temple,
and a causeway leading down to a pavilion. About 80 royal pyramids survive in
Egypt, the greatest being those at Giza. American pyramids include the pyramids
of the Sun and Moon at Teotihuacán, the Castillo at Chichén Itzá, and various
Inca and Chimú structures in Andean settlements. These pyramids were generally
built of earth and faced with stone; they are typically stepped pyramids and are
topped by a platform or temple structure used for rituals, including human
sacrifice.
