What Countries Have Pyramids? 10 Countries with Fascinating Pyramids

Egypt is famous for its ancient Pharaonic civilization and its well known pyramids that attract visitors from all over the world. These pyramids represent a great historical legacy that reflects the ability of the ancient Egyptians to create and innovate in the field of architecture. 

The existence of pyramids is often associated with Egypt, as a symbol of Egyptian civilization, but in reality, Egypt is not the only country that has pyramids, but there are other countries around the world that also have pyramids, some of which are known and some are less famous. 

In this article, we will talk about what countries have pyramids, shedding light on the history of these pyramids and their cultural importance, in addition to identifying the largest pyramid in the world in terms of size and location.

What Countries Have Pyramids?

Pyramids are found on different continents around the world, indicating that the idea of building pyramids was not exclusive to one civilization, but existed in diverse cultures.

There are a number of countries around the world that have pyramids, and among the most prominent of these countries are:

1- Pyramids in Egypt

The pyramids of Egypt are considered one of the most famous pyramids in the world which attract millions of tourists every year. They are located in Giza Governorate near Cairo, and consist of three main pyramids: the Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. 

These pyramids are royal tombs built to commemorate the pharaohs, and these pyramids reflect the advanced level of architecture of the ancient Egyptians, and embody their ability to build these huge structures using limestone. 

The pyramids of Egypt are one of the most important tourist attractions in the country, as they contribute to boosting the national economy and providing job opportunities for many Egyptians.

2- Pyramids of Sudan

Sudan is one of the countries that has pyramids, known as the Nubian pyramids, and located in the area of the ancient Kingdom of Kush in northern Sudan.

These pyramids differ from the Egyptian pyramids in design and size. 

The number of pyramids in Sudan exceeds 200 pyramids, and the height of each pyramid is approximately 30 meters.

These pyramids were built of red brick, and were used as tombs for rulers in the eighth century BC. Sudan includes southern pyramids, northern pyramids, and western pyramids. 

The pyramids of Sudan differ from the pyramids of Egypt in some aspects. The pyramids of Sudan have smaller and steeper bases than the Egyptian pyramids, and the decorations and inscriptions on them reflect the culture of the Kingdom of Kush.

3- Pyramids in Mexico

Mexico is one of the countries that contains pyramids. These pyramids are found in different areas of the country, and it has the Pyramid of the Sun and the well-known Pyramid of the Moon, which are located in the ancient city of Teotihuacan. 

The Pyramid of the Sun is the third largest pyramid in the world in terms of size, with an area of approximately 220 * 230 meters. Visitors can climb this pyramid by ascending the stairs on it and enjoying a panoramic view of the ancient city.

4- Unknown Pyramids in China

China includes a number of pyramids exceeding 37 pyramids distributed in different areas within Chinese cities. The construction of these pyramids dates back to ancient times, and these pyramids contain many antiquities and treasures that reflect the ancient history of China. 

Among the most famous of these pyramids is what is called the White Pyramid, and it is believed that they were built to be tombs for Chinese emperors, and what distinguishes them most is their flat tops that are somewhat similar to the Mexican pyramids.

5- Pyramids in Italy

Italy is one of the countries that contains pyramids, and although they are not as famous as the Egyptian or Mexican pyramids, they represent a part of the ancient history of Italy. 

It includes the Pyramid of Cestius, which is located in the city of Rome, and was built in 18 BC. and reaches a height of about 37 meters, and the design of this pyramid reflects the Egyptian influence on Roman architecture.

6- Pyramid of Iraq

The pyramids of Iraq are called ziggurats, and are located in southern Iraq. Their design is different from the Egyptian pyramids, as they consist of several stepped layers, and date back to the ancient Sumerian civilization. 

The ziggurats are considered one of the oldest architectural monuments in the world, and at the top of the pyramid there is a temple that was dedicated to worship and offering sacrifices to the gods.

7- Pyramid of Cambodia

The pyramid of Cambodia was built to worship Hindu gods. It is a huge structure consisting of seven levels and reaches a height of about 36 meters. 

It can be climbed by the wooden stairs on it, and this pyramid is an example of the Indian influence on the architecture in Southeast Asia.

8- Pyramids of Central America

The Central America region includes a number of pyramids that date back to pre-Christian eras. These pyramids are located in countries such as Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. 

Among the most famous is the Tikal pyramid, which is the largest pyramid in Guatemala and reaches a height of about 44 meters. These pyramids were used as religious and political centers in ancient Mayan cities.

9- Pyramid of Indonesia

Indonesia contains a large pyramid that dates back to about 800 years BC, and is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the world and is located on the island of Magelang. 

The design of this pyramid reflects the Buddhist influence on architecture in Indonesia.

10- Pyramids in Spain

Spain includes about six pyramids located in the Canary Islands, and it is believed that they were built by the indigenous people of the islands. 

These pyramids were discovered in the 1990s, and these pyramids still represent a mystery to scientists, as the purpose of building them has not been definitively determined.

What is the Largest Pyramid in the World and Where is it Located?

The largest pyramid in the world in terms of size is the Cholula Pyramid, which is located in the city of Cholula in Mexico. This pyramid is considered the largest structure ever built by man in terms of size, and covers a larger area than the Egyptian pyramids in Giza. 

It is located in a location that resembles a large hill, and its construction dates back to about 2300 years BC.

It is one of the most important tourist attractions in Mexico. Scientists have found more than 400 burials inside this pyramid, indicating that it was an important place of worship in ancient Mexico, and its total volume reaches about 4,715,840.55 cubic meters.

What are the Least Known Pyramids Around the World?

The least known pyramids around the world include the following:

• The Pyramid of the Moon, located in the city of Teotihuacan in Mexico and built 200 years BC, is smaller in size than the Pyramid of the Sun but still represents an important part of the ancient city.
• The Pyramid of Cestius, located in the city of Rome and designed similarly to the ancient Egyptian style, reflects the Egyptian influence on Roman architecture.
• The Bent Pyramid, which is one of the pyramids that were built during the era of the pharaohs, and is located in Dahshur, south of Cairo, and is characterized by its curved shape, which is believed to be due to a change in the angle of construction during the construction process.
• The Pyramid of Khendjer in Egypt is located in South Saqqara, and it is one of the pyramids that were built in the Middle Kingdom era, but its construction was not completed, and this pyramid reflects the attempts of the pharaohs in the Middle Kingdom to imitate the great pyramids in the Old Kingdom.

Are There Pyramids in the United States?

Yes, the United States can be considered to include the pyramids of Central America, which are located in northeastern Mexico. These pyramids include about 21 tombs that include many skeletons, and these pyramids were used as tombs for rulers, and inside the pyramids there are narrow tunnels surrounded by many stones and shells.

How Do Pyramid Designs Differ Between Different Civilizations?

Pyramid designs differ according to the civilizations that built them, the materials used in construction, the engineering techniques available, and the inscriptions, decorations and symbols they contain. 

Therefore, the design of pyramids differs from one civilization to another and this is also related to the beliefs and traditions of this civilization. 

Egyptian pyramids are characterized by their complete pyramidal shape and the use of limestone, while pyramids in Mexico are characterized by their stepped shape and the use of mud and mud brick.

When we think of the word “pyramids”, the Egyptian pyramids in Giza come to mind, but there are other countries that have pyramids. These pyramids were used as tombs for kings, places of worship, and religious and political centers.

Each pyramid is distinguished by its different details and designs that reflect the culture and beliefs of the country in which it is located, making the pyramids a witness to the history of mankind and its creativity in different eras.