![]() ![]() ![]() (Photo: sir john gardner wilkinson, via Wikimedia Commons) We’re still figuring out how they were built. Schematic drawing of wall painting found in the tomb of Djehutihotep that depicts water pouring in front of a sled. By placing pyramids to the west of the Nile, they lived right in the area that metaphorically signified death. The souls of the pharaohs were meant to connect with the setting sun before rising again in the morning, a symbol of eternal life. Thanks to this association, the setting sun came to symbolize death and the sun “died” in the west each night. Over time, he also became associated with the cycle of the sun and how it brought new growth from dormant seeds. Osiris, an Egyptian god closely connect with the afterlife, represented the strength of new life. For ancient Egyptians, the afterlife and the sun were closely intertwined. As the pyramids were the final resting places of pharaohs, it only makes sense they should reside where their souls can begin their journey into the afterlife. Most were built on the west bank of the Nile, and for a distinct reason. So it should come as no surprise that even the location of the ancient pyramids were guided by mythology. ![]() Most pyramids were built west of the Nile.Īncient Egyptian culture is full of symbolism and superstitions that guided decision making. This typology is found in many cultures from the Borobudur Temple in Indonesia to the El Castillo pyramid built by the Maya in Chichen Itza. Instead, it’s a step pyramid where Imhotep had mastabas (Egyptian tombs) of diminishing size stacked on top of one another. ![]()
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