Although ancient Egyptians created the most famous pyramid in Giza, many other cultures and civilizations have also contributed to the creation of this remarkable architectural work throughout the history. Egyptian desert and green valleys are not the only place where pyramids have been used; From very early ancient buildings to concrete stone to modernity glass and metal miracles, pyramids are used everywhere.
Read Also: What is the largest pyramid still standing?
Nubian pyramids, Meroe, Sudan:
Although Giza's huge pyramids are much smaller and less famous, the Nubian pyramids in the eastern Sudan are still amazing. Between the fourth century AD in the eighth century BC, the ancient African country, Mero, Kush was the center of the country, which was today about 125 miles (200 km) north -east from Khatum, the capital of Sudan. The 200 100-foot (30-meter) red-brick pyramid, built as the last resting sites of the Kusite kings, can be seen in the region, divided into three places, one of which is the ancient city of Mero.
Nubian pyramids, Meroe, Sudan:
The ancient cemetery and the old royal city are left to ruin and rob their wealth at age, and today they are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Between 1800 and 1870, the Italian Treasury seeker Giusepe Ferlini demolished parts of the pyramid; Contemporary concerns include increasing the flooding of sand and nile flood waters. Even in the states of chaos, many of the low pyramids still have notable visual appeals, even though others have been brought back to their previous splendor.
Pyramids of the Moon and Sun, San Juan Teotihuacan, Mexico:
The Sun's pyramid is famous for being the third largest pyramid in the world, with a base that is 760 feet (220 m to 220) to about 720. Its sister temple, the pyramid of the moon, is largely in front of Sero Gordo Mountain, which is claimed to copy, but it is not quite large (its base measures around 156 meters around 130). Nevertheless, it is still fantastic. They are both found in San Juan Teotihuakan, Mexico, usually known as the city of gods. It is an ancient Mesoamerican stronghold.
Pyramids of Guimar, Tenerife, Canary Islands:
These mysterious structures made of lava stone without any mortar are an discrepancy on these sleeping islands. Archaeologists have not found any other evidence of an ancient civilization here, so speculation about who made them (and for whom they were).
Famous adventurer, Thor Haradehl, estimated that he was part of a trans-eleventh link between Egypt and Central America. Spanish researchers Antonio Aparisio Juan and Cesar Estabon Lope claim that they were created according to Mesonic symbolism. The least complicated principle - and sad, most likely - it is that they were created by farmers in the 19th century, to please themselves because they cleaned the land of their stones.
Tikal pyramids, Guatemala:
The pyramids of the Tikal were constructed between 300 and 900 AD and tuned at the Pateen Raineavine in Northern Guatemala. These, with around 4,000 other buildings, consisted of the most powerful city in history, Yaks Mutel. With pyramids, plazas, and artwork in Maya and Hieroglyphic, there are six temples in all. Before being discovered by explorers in the 1840s, the pyramids had been mysteriously abandoned for eight centuries.
Tikal pyramids, Guatemala:
Pyramid IV, the highest pyramid, undoubtedly the most notable. Many visitors climb the peak, which is about 213 feet (63 meters) above the ground and still holds a two-headed snake temple, providing breathtaking views of the rainforest. Located around 19 miles (31 km) to the north of Lake Paten, adjacent Tikal National Park and these uncontrolled pyramids are among the most viewed sites in Guatemala today. The Ticical National Park is recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
El Castillo, Chichen Itza, Mexico:
Known from its Spanish winner name El Castilo, it is a famous place located in the Yukatan Peninsula in Mexico, which is in the ancient Maya city of Chichen Itza. Toltech civilization, a heavenly Mayan civilization, built the Pyramid for some time between 1050 and 1300 AD. It also hides a mystery that returns the year 500-800 AD. 2016 saw the discovery of a third pyramid inside the walls of El Castilo by archaeologists using imaging technology, besides the other pyramids which were found first inside.
You May Also Like: Who controls the border between Gaza and Egypt?
Ziggurat, Ur, Iraq:
The pyramids of the ancient Mesopotamia, often called Ziggurats, are very different from the pyramids of Giza, but still they incite fear due to labor-intensity and highly efficient architecture that went into their construction. The best protected ziggurat is in ur, a historic Sumerian city in the current Iraq. It is striking with thousands of people on its rapid angleed walls, steep sloping ladder, and thousands of burnt red bricks.
FAQs
Are there really pyramids outside of Egypt?
Absolutely! While Egypt’s pyramids are the most famous, many ancient civilizations built pyramids across the world — from Asia to the Americas — often for religious, ceremonial, or burial purposes.
What are some of the most impressive non-Egyptian pyramids?
Some extraordinary examples include:
-
Pyramid of the Sun – Teotihuacan, Mexico
-
Chichen Itza – Yucatán, Mexico, built by the Maya
-
Great Pyramid of Cholula – Mexico, the largest pyramid by volume
-
Ziggurat of Ur – Iraq, a Sumerian step pyramid
-
Pyramids of Meroë – Sudan, smaller but numerous and beautifully preserved
Why did different cultures build pyramids?
Pyramids symbolized power, connection to the divine, and often served as tombs or temples. The design was structurally sound, and its upward form symbolized reaching toward the heavens across many cultures.
Can tourists visit these sites today?
Yes! Many are open to the public and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attracting millions of tourists every year. They offer a glimpse into ancient architecture, beliefs, and craftsmanship far beyond Egypt.
Pirkko Koskitalo
Although ancient Egyptians created the most famous pyramid in Giza, many other cultures and civilizations have also contributed to the creation of this remarkable architectural work throughout the history. Egyptian desert and green valleys are not the only place where pyramids have been used; From very early ancient buildings to concrete stone to modernity glass and metal miracles, pyramids are used everywhere.
Read Also: What is the largest pyramid still standing?
Nubian pyramids, Meroe, Sudan:
Although Giza's huge pyramids are much smaller and less famous, the Nubian pyramids in the eastern Sudan are still amazing. Between the fourth century AD in the eighth century BC, the ancient African country, Mero, Kush was the center of the country, which was today about 125 miles (200 km) north -east from Khatum, the capital of Sudan. The 200 100-foot (30-meter) red-brick pyramid, built as the last resting sites of the Kusite kings, can be seen in the region, divided into three places, one of which is the ancient city of Mero.
Nubian pyramids, Meroe, Sudan:
The ancient cemetery and the old royal city are left to ruin and rob their wealth at age, and today they are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Between 1800 and 1870, the Italian Treasury seeker Giusepe Ferlini demolished parts of the pyramid; Contemporary concerns include increasing the flooding of sand and nile flood waters. Even in the states of chaos, many of the low pyramids still have notable visual appeals, even though others have been brought back to their previous splendor.
Pyramids of the Moon and Sun, San Juan Teotihuacan, Mexico:
The Sun's pyramid is famous for being the third largest pyramid in the world, with a base that is 760 feet (220 m to 220) to about 720. Its sister temple, the pyramid of the moon, is largely in front of Sero Gordo Mountain, which is claimed to copy, but it is not quite large (its base measures around 156 meters around 130). Nevertheless, it is still fantastic. They are both found in San Juan Teotihuakan, Mexico, usually known as the city of gods. It is an ancient Mesoamerican stronghold.
Pyramids of Guimar, Tenerife, Canary Islands:
These mysterious structures made of lava stone without any mortar are an discrepancy on these sleeping islands. Archaeologists have not found any other evidence of an ancient civilization here, so speculation about who made them (and for whom they were).
Famous adventurer, Thor Haradehl, estimated that he was part of a trans-eleventh link between Egypt and Central America. Spanish researchers Antonio Aparisio Juan and Cesar Estabon Lope claim that they were created according to Mesonic symbolism. The least complicated principle - and sad, most likely - it is that they were created by farmers in the 19th century, to please themselves because they cleaned the land of their stones.
Tikal pyramids, Guatemala:
The pyramids of the Tikal were constructed between 300 and 900 AD and tuned at the Pateen Raineavine in Northern Guatemala. These, with around 4,000 other buildings, consisted of the most powerful city in history, Yaks Mutel. With pyramids, plazas, and artwork in Maya and Hieroglyphic, there are six temples in all. Before being discovered by explorers in the 1840s, the pyramids had been mysteriously abandoned for eight centuries.
Tikal pyramids, Guatemala:
Pyramid IV, the highest pyramid, undoubtedly the most notable. Many visitors climb the peak, which is about 213 feet (63 meters) above the ground and still holds a two-headed snake temple, providing breathtaking views of the rainforest. Located around 19 miles (31 km) to the north of Lake Paten, adjacent Tikal National Park and these uncontrolled pyramids are among the most viewed sites in Guatemala today. The Ticical National Park is recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
El Castillo, Chichen Itza, Mexico:
Known from its Spanish winner name El Castilo, it is a famous place located in the Yukatan Peninsula in Mexico, which is in the ancient Maya city of Chichen Itza. Toltech civilization, a heavenly Mayan civilization, built the Pyramid for some time between 1050 and 1300 AD. It also hides a mystery that returns the year 500-800 AD. 2016 saw the discovery of a third pyramid inside the walls of El Castilo by archaeologists using imaging technology, besides the other pyramids which were found first inside.
You May Also Like: Who controls the border between Gaza and Egypt?
Ziggurat, Ur, Iraq:
The pyramids of the ancient Mesopotamia, often called Ziggurats, are very different from the pyramids of Giza, but still they incite fear due to labor-intensity and highly efficient architecture that went into their construction. The best protected ziggurat is in ur, a historic Sumerian city in the current Iraq. It is striking with thousands of people on its rapid angleed walls, steep sloping ladder, and thousands of burnt red bricks.
FAQs
Are there really pyramids outside of Egypt?
Absolutely! While Egypt’s pyramids are the most famous, many ancient civilizations built pyramids across the world — from Asia to the Americas — often for religious, ceremonial, or burial purposes.
What are some of the most impressive non-Egyptian pyramids?
Some extraordinary examples include:
Pyramid of the Sun – Teotihuacan, Mexico
Chichen Itza – Yucatán, Mexico, built by the Maya
Great Pyramid of Cholula – Mexico, the largest pyramid by volume
Ziggurat of Ur – Iraq, a Sumerian step pyramid
Pyramids of Meroë – Sudan, smaller but numerous and beautifully preserved
Why did different cultures build pyramids?
Pyramids symbolized power, connection to the divine, and often served as tombs or temples. The design was structurally sound, and its upward form symbolized reaching toward the heavens across many cultures.
Can tourists visit these sites today?
Yes! Many are open to the public and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attracting millions of tourists every year. They offer a glimpse into ancient architecture, beliefs, and craftsmanship far beyond Egypt.