Egyptian Pyramids

• Most of the Egyptian pyramids were built during the Old Kingdom period, from 2575 B.C. to 2150 B.C. These structures were raised to house both dead kings of Egypt and the many things they would need in the afterlife as "kings of the dead." The pyramids were built mostly by paid but sometimes-conscripted Egyptian workers.
  
  

Mayan Pyramids (Mexico)

• The ancient Mayans lived in Mesoamerica from 2600 B.C. to A.D. 250. They built pyramids both as temples and as tombs for prominent people. Some of these pyramids have steps for climbing to the top, where religious rites took place. For the ancient Mayans, the pyramids represented the journey from the underworld to the heavens.
  
  

Ancient Greek Pyramids

• The ancient Greeks built pyramids 2,500 years ago that averaged about 40 feet in height. The loose, limestone towers were connected to networks of clay pipes. The Greeks used the pyramids not for ceremonial or burial purposes but to collect water in a dry climate. As air circulated through the structures, water condensed and flowed to the pipes, providing fresh water to local communities.