Pyramids Around the World

A worldwide phenomena that capture the imagination

Harold Johnson

December 13, 2020

Few ancient structures invoke the sense of awe that pyramids do. The pyramids throughout Egypt have been a source of curiosity and mystery since the 19th century. When pyramids are discussed most default to Egypt and justifiably so. However, the country with the most pyramids is actually Sudan. Furthermore, there are pyramids all over the world. Some pyramids are tombs, some are temples while the purpose for countless pyramids have been lost to time. There are pyramids said to map out the stars. Numerous pyramids hide in jungles standing as testaments to the technology of ancient civilizations and I'm sure there are pyramids yet to be discovered.

There is something about pyramids that mystifies us. As a historian, I have personally felt their allure. Questions abound on how exactly ancient peoples moved tons of stone into perfect geometry that still stands after centuries. I created this project to invite visitors to journey around the world and view some of these ancient wonders. From Egypt to the Americas lets go on an adventure. In America we will examine earthen mounds, you can decide whether they should be considered pyramids. or not. No doubt they are man-made structures no matter what side of the debate you're on. We will hop across the Mediterranean and look at the remains of a Grecian pyramid that many people didn't know existed. I invite the visitors examine the similarities in the sites and what makes them amazing. Many of the pyramids are able to be visited and this project will tell you how to do that when possible. This is far from an exhaustive list but designed to be a small peek into how widespread pyramids are. Pyramids often invite more questions than they answer, but that mystery is part of why they remain so compelling. Scroll down and explore the worldwide phenomena of pyramids.

Pyramids of Giza

The pyramids of Giza are iconic buildings and Egyptologists have spent years and elicited countless theories on understanding how they were constructed. Most agree they were created to be tombs, but their unique construction implies they were much more than that. The pyramids in their day were fully covered in smooth, shiny casing stone made of limestone and would have been able to be seen for miles. Even today they stand above the modern city of Cairo as millennial aged guardians. As if the outside of the pyramids weren’t impressive enough, all three have interconnecting hallways and passages. They contain multiple inner chambers with hieroglyphics that served as directions to ensure safe journeys of the pharaoh to the afterlife.

Step Pyramid of Djoser

The Step Pyramid of Djoser is the oldest pyramid in Egypt. Sitting in the dessert of Saqqara, Egypt the monumental structure has been a source of intrigue for years. It was built during the reign of the pharaoh Djoser (c. 2670 BCE) who is said to be the first pharaoh to build in stone. We know he was a well-liked pharaoh, and he was said to have saved Egypt from famine by rebuilding the temple of Khumn, the god of the Nile. While Djoser is given a lot of credit, the architect of the pyramid and other building projects was his brilliant vizier, Imhotep. Traditionally, rectangular tombs made of dried clay bricks called mastabas were used to cover underground passages that housed the dead. Imhotep decided to build a stone mastaba instead and one that was much taller than any built before. He then incrementally stacked smaller mastaba like structures on top of each other creating the shape of a pyramid that exist today. The pyramid was completed with six levels of mastabas reaching 204 feet into the sky and the stones near the top were placed at an incline to stabilize the structure. Djoser was so impressed with Imhotep’s design that he broke a tradition that had all monuments attributed to the king and had Imhoteps name placed on the buildings in the pyramid complex at Djoser. Historian Margaret Bunson notes:

Pyramid at Cholula

From a distance, the Pyramid at Cholula first appears to be a church sitting on a very large hill. When you get closer you see this hill is much larger than you imagined, and it seems to have flat surfaces and precise symmetrical edges. What you are witnessing is in fact the largest pyramid in the world (with a total volume of 4.45 million cubic meters) and one of the largest manmade structures ever. It’s almost twice as large as the Great Pyramid of Giza. The church on its summit make it the oldest continuously occupied building in Mesoamerica. Though much of the stonework remains covered in dirt and grass but the outlines of the massive structure remain visible.

El Castillo at Chichen Itza

Sitting proudly in the center of Chichen Itza is the pyramid called El Castillo which translates as “the castle” in Spanish. It’s also known as the Temple of Kukulcan which likely another name for Quetzalcoatl as both are feathered serpent god. In the Mayan language, “kukul” = feathered and “kan” = snake. Statues of plumed serpents adorn both sides of the northern staircase. El Castillo has some unique engineering. Each of the 4 stairways has 91 steps. Adding them up and including the final landing at the top as a step gives you a total of 365 representing the days on the Mayan calendar. 91 is also the number of days that separates the 4 phases of the solar cycles: winter solstice, spring equinox, summer solstice and fall equinox. In fact, on the spring and fall equinoxes and amazing display of light and shadow gives the appearance of a snake descending the steps. The amazing interplay of light and shadow would allow to track harvest seasons and plan annual ceremonies. The pyramid is also built in such a way that sound reverberates in front of it so it someone was speaking from the top they would be heard clearly. In ancient times the pyramid was brightly colored with rich greens and blues and though you can’t see any trace of color on the pyramid today, examples of the colors remain in covered locations through Chichen Itza. Resting on the Yucatan peninsula, Chichen Itza is the last great city of the Maya. The name Chichen Itza means “at the mouth of the well of the Itza.” The Itza were the ethnic group of Mayans that built the city of Chichen Itza. The name alludes to the fact the site is built around underground bodies of water known as cenotes. Surrounding the pyramids are several temples and the largest ball court in Mesoamerica.

Pyramids of Teotihuacan

The ancient city of Teotihuacan sits 30 miles from modern day Mexico City. The builders of the city remain a mystery though scholars agree that the name Teotihuacan was given by the Aztec hundreds of years after the city was abandoned around 550 CE. The name means “the place where gods were created” and today the city is known as the “City of the Gods.” The Aztec named the buildings but had no contact with the culture that actually created them. The culture that built the city predated the Maya by 500 years and the Aztec by 1,000 years so they were truly ahead of their time. The city is laid out in a grid pattern and it’s believed to be the oldest city in the Americas laid out this way. The paved Avenue of the Dead leads visitors to the three largest pyramids on the site. There are over countless small pyramids throughout the city.

Monks's Mound

Monk’s Mound also called Mound 38 lies in the center of ancient metropolis of Cahokia and across the river from the city of St. Louis, Missouri. It draws its name from French Trappist Monks that lived on a nearby mound in the 1800s. The mound is a quadrilateral flat-topped earthen pyramid. Unlike pyramids in Mesoamerica, the large structure was built with compressed earth and wood. It took tremendous skill in engineering and planning. The mound has four flat surfaces called “terraces.” Rising to a height of 100 feet with over 720, 000 cubic meters of dirt shaping the structure, it is truly massive. Its base is roughly the same size of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Monk’s Mound is the largest and best preserved of hundreds of mounds built in the United States. The mound’s shape resembles a large turtle possibly honoring Native American mythology of North America resting on the back of a massive turtle. Credit for their construction is typically attributed to a group of ancient people known as Mound Builders. When French settlers arrived, Native Americans of the Mississippian culture may have lived in the area, but they aren’t believed to have done the impressive engineering. Questions about who built the mounds still linger, however scholars do know what some of the mounds were used for. Monks Mound used to have housing on the top where the chief or leader of the Cahokia metropolis resided. Many of the other mounds were used as housing as well. We know several mounds were used for burial because excavations uncovered hundreds of bodies underneath the mounds along with shells and other adornments in a display of elaborate burial practices. Many of the mounds were destroyed by American expansion and the desire to create more farmland. Studies to understand more of who built the mounds and their true age are ongoing but as everyone should take a trip to see the largest pyramid in the United States.

Pyramid of Hellinikon

Greece is known for a lot of things; amazing pantheon of gods, ancient temples and philosophers but have you ever heard of Greek pyramids? To be fair the Greek pyramids have not aged nearly as well as their larger, more well-known brethren on the other side of the Mediterranean. Yet, there is evidence there were several pyramids in southern Greece called the Pyramids of Argolis. Most of the pyramids have been reduced to rubble with only the base remaining except one. The most famous and best preserved pyramid lies just outside of Argos, Greece and known as the Pyramid of Hellinikon. Though Greek historians are renowned for their preservation of the ancient past there is only one ancient account describing the Pyramid of Hellinikon and it comes from Pausanias. He was a traveler and geographer and he describes the pyramid in his Corinthiaka (c. 150 CE) like this:

City of Caral

It’s taught in most schools that the civilizations first sprang forth from Mesopotamia, Egypt and Indus Valley in Asia. What if I told you that almost 5,000 years ago there was a sprawling metropolis in the Americas? That’s what the city of Caral was. Located in the Supe Valley, 200 miles north of Lima, Peru on the Pacific coast sits the ruins of a colossal ancient city. Little is known about the people that built the site, but scholars call them the Norte Chico. Excavation began in 1970 when archaeologists discovered when what was believed to be two natural hills on the site turned out to be step pyramids. At 165 acres, Caral is one the largest sites in Peru with carbon dating on organic material found around the site dating to 4,700 BCE, Caral is also the oldest site in the Americas. Its pyramids, circular plazas, amphitheaters and detailed staircases invoke a sense of pure awe and the fact they possibly predate the pyramids in Egypt makes them even more mysterious. At the very least, when the Egyptian pyramids were built, Caral was already a thriving metropolis. The largest pyramid on the site is known as “Piramide Mayor” or Major Pyramid. There are older archaeological sites in the world, but none as old AND as large the Sacred City of Caral.

Pyramid of Guimar

The Pyramids of Guimar or Piramides de Guimar are possibly the most mysterious pyramids on this list. They reside in the town of Guimar on the island of Tenerife, which is an island in the Canary Islands, near Spain. There is no record of them existing anywhere until 1881. Shards of pottery dating to the 19th century have been found underneath them as well which has led many historians to believe they were built in the 19th century. A volcanic cave with remains of aboriginal people dating to 600 CE was uncovered providing a much earlier date of possible construction. There are six pyramids on the island constructed with lava stone and reach a height of 40 feet. The all have steps on their westside indicating a possible ceremonial or ritual purpose, but some scientists believe they are stones gathered by 19th century farmers and arranged to partition agricultural lots. Norwegian anthropologist, Thor Heyerdahl is responsible for the preservation of the site. He once traveled from Morocco to Barbados in a papyrus boat to prove such a voyage could be done in ancient times using Atlantic currents. He theorizes the pyramids were built by an ancient people of the Canary Islands called Guanches who like the Egyptians, were known to mummify their dead. He further believed the islands off the coasts of Africa and Spain were influenced by Egyptians who went on to influence Mesoamerican pyramid builders. Some scholars believe the pyramids were constructed by Freemasons and align with solstices. In fact, sun flight hits the pyramid in magical way that you must see to believe.

La Danta at El Mirador

The top of La Danta pokes its head through the Guatemalan rainforest canopy observing the world and inviting exploration from those flying overhead. No wonder the site and city it’s apart of is called El Mirador or “the lookout” in Spanish. People viewing it from the sky initially believed it to be a volcano. The once lost city of El Mirador looks like something from an Indian Jones film but it’s real. The 230-foot tall pyramid known as La Danta is the largest of the three pyramids on the site. The other two are El Tigre and Los Monos. Together the three pyramids mark the first time in Mesoamerican history we see the triadic pattern. While scholars still speculate that the pyramids of Giza share an alignment with the constellation Orion’s Belt, Mayan researchers find a bit more evidence that the pyramids at El Mirador do. Archaeologist Richard Hansen, investigator of the Mirador Basin Project states,

Pyramids of Giza

The three main pyramids on the plateau were built over three generations by three different rulers and each pyramid embodies the spirit of the pharaoh associated with it. The pyramids have mortuary temples associated with the pharaoh who built them and there are boat pits which would have allowed the pharaoh to travel anywhere in the afterlife. One was built Khufu, another Khafre and the other constructed by the pharaoh Menkaure. Surrounding the three large pyramids are several smaller “satellite” pyramids attributed to some of the queens and there are flat roofed stone mastabas said to house members of the royal court. To be buried next to the pharaoh would have been a great honor for anyone in the Egyptian kingdom.

The pyramid shape used in Egyptian is said to have been inspired by a mythological item known as the Benben stone. In some legends the stone is where Atum, the god who created the world arose. Benben is associated with the verb “weben” which means “to rise.” Pyramids subsequently have capstones also known as Benben stones or pyramidions which represent the original pyramid shaped Benben stone.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is one is one of the defining images of Egypt and was the first and largest pyramid in Egypt. Standing at 481 feet tall with a 756-foot base, the pyramid casts an imposing figure across the Giza plateau, the modern city of Cairo, Egypt, and the several pyramids which are adjacent to it. It is an engineering marvel as all four sides of the base vary in length by a little over an inch. Built with over 2,300,000 blocks, and some weighing over 50 tons, it was the tallest structure in the world for over 3,000 years. Built by the ruler Khufu in the span of twenty-years. The pharaoh Khufu was the 2nd pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty (2589-2566 BCE) and the son of another pyramid building pharaoh named Snefru who was responsible for the construction of the Bent Pyramid and the North Pyramid above it. The Great Pyramid is also interesting because it was built oriented to true north, being off by only one-fifteenth of a degree. Even with modern technology such an engineering feat would be difficult. The pyramid of Khufu marks the first time in Egyptian history that granite is used on a large scale as the passage ways on the inside were constructed of granite. As magnificent a tomb as the Great Pyramid may have been and appears to be, to date no mummies have ever been found inside, though there is a sarcophagus made of granite in what is known as the Kings Chamber.

The Pyramid of Khafre is the 2nd largest pyramid on the Giza plateau and built by the pharaoh Khafre (2558-2532 BCE). Unlike his brother, Djedefre who built his pyramid at Abu Rawash, a few miles north of Giza, Khafre built his pyramid on a plane of bedrock that is 33 meters higher than his father’s Great Pyramid which originally gave the appearance that his pyramid was larger. However, because of weathering the peak of his pyramid sits at 481 feet, same as Khufu’s. Unlike the Great Pyramid, some the outer casing of limestone is still visible at the top of the pyramid. While an empty sarcophagus was found inside the pyramid, there were no inscriptions or pyramid text that was typically used to guide the pharaoh to the afterlife. Adjacent to the pyramid is a mortuary temple which at one time housed 52 life-sized statues of the ruler. These statues were removed and reused by the pharaoh Rameses II by erasing Khafre’s name and etching his own. Khafre is credited with adding the human face to the lion’s body carved out of bedrock known as the Sphinx which sits at the end of a causeway leading from Khafre’s pyramid. Scholars have not concluded who originally built the lion statue or how long ago, but the lion was a royal symbol and the fusion of human head to lions’ body is something seen throughout Egyptian history.

The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest and last of the great pyramids on the plateau rising to a height of 213 feet, but the pyramid named “Menkaure is Divine” according to hieroglyphics is still quite remarkable. The pyramid was started by Menkaure (2490-2472 BCE) and completed by Menkaure’s son after the pharaoh died and he adorned the walls of the pyramid with. The statues found within the pyramid complex depicting the gods Ra, Hathor and Horus lead scholars to believe the pyramid is dedicated to them. His mortuary temple remained an active place of cult worship centuries after his death. While the pyramid is the smallest from the outside, the inside contains the most decorative panels and chambers on the plateau. Statues found inside were incredibly detailed. Just outside of his pyramid lay three small unfinished pyramids believed to be dedicated to his queens. In the 12th century the second Ayyubid sultan of Egypt attempted to destroy the pyramids of Giza starting with the Menkaure’s. Fortunately, trying to destroy blocks that weigh tons proved too difficult, but he left a large gash that remains visible today.

Visiting the Pyramids- According to Trip Advisor visiting the pyramids is easy. There are several ways to visit both during the day and during a nighttime light show. Many visitors suggested seeing the pyramids both ways. Tourists are instructed to be wary of the many vendors in the area. Some are decent but many more are looking to sell cheap imitation products. Most visitors simply stood in awe at the size of the stones and if you are going to climb the stones to venture inside the great pyramids, please watch your footing. Visiting the last remaining ancient wonder of the world is something on the bucket list of many people and the area is very crowded. Also, pictures of the site don’t accurately depict how close the city of Cairo really is. The pyramids have resorts about 100 feet away from them as modern life and capitalism encroach on history. Let’s appreciate these buildings while we can.

Official Website: http://egypt.travel/en/attractions/giza-plateau

Step Pyramid of Djoser

“Imhotep built the complex as a mortuary shrine for Djoser, but it became a stage and an architectural model for the spiritual ideals of the Egyptian people. The Step Pyramid was not just a single pyramidal tomb but a collection of temples, chapels, pavilions, corridors, storerooms, and halls. Fluted columns emerged from stone according to his plan. Yet he made the walls of the complex conform to those of the palace of the king, according to ancient styles of architecture, thus preserving a link with the past (3).

The pyramid has 13 false doors and underneath the pyramid is an intricate labyrinth of tunnels ultimately leading to the burial chamber of the pharaoh. Djoser’s burial chamber was made of granite that was likely quarried from Aswan. The intricate maze was built to protect the burial chamber from desecration and theft. Many have still not been fully explored in the modern era. One can only imagine the mysteries they contain. The chambers throughout have art that tells the story of daily life in Egypt. Curiously, the passageways of the pyramid were lined with over 40,000 stone vessels. They are made of a variety of different stones and bear the names of former pharaohs and other people. The Step Pyramid stands as an amazing accomplishment by an innovative architect and Step Pyramid of Djoser ushered in the Egyptian age of the pyramid for centuries.

Visiting the Step Pyramid of Djoser – Visitors to the Saqqara site will be blown away by the level of detail Imhotep put into the pyramid complex. Almost 4,000 years later and the pyramid still has not revealed all its secrets. Unfortunately, an earthquake in 1992 destabilized a lot of the pyramid stonework and only recently have people been allowed to return inside. There are still renovations being done to preserve the beauty and structural integrity of the site. Visitors are advised to not touch any of the stonework on the pyramid as the workers are actively preserving it. Once at Saqqara you are encouraged to visits the Imhotep Museum which highlights how a commoner rose to be one of the highest ranked official in Egypt and learn of his other accomplishments. Hopefully the site will be able to handle more public interaction in the future, but it is still worth a trip to view the oldest pyramid in the country and possibly the world.

Official Website: https://www.sca-egypt.org/eng/SITE_Saqqara_Step_Pyramid.html

Pyramid at Cholula

The pyramid is known to the indigenous population of the region as Tlachihualtepetl which means “artificial mountain” in the Nahuatl language. Scholars believe construction of the pyramid began during the Terminal Formative period c. 250 CE. The pyramid was built four stages with the early stages resembling construction by the Aztecs and the later final form having more Toltec influence. The pyramid was completed c. 900 CE and it’s believed to have served as a place of worship to the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl until c. 1100. The pyramid was long abandoned by the time the Spanish arrived which is why they believed it simply to be a very large hill. The pyramid has only been loosely excavated as not to disturb the church but there are over 5 miles of winding passageways underneath waiting to be explored by tourists. Even after the pyramid was abandoned it remained a place of religious importance as burials continued on the site. Pottery and remains attest to this fact. Spanish built the church at its peak during the 16th century and the church, known as the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Remedies remains a place many make the journey to during annual festivals.

Visiting the Great Pyramid of Cholula: The pyramid at Cholula is something you must see to believe. Standing at the base, you marvel at how human hands could construct something so massive. Tourists can explore some of the passages underneath the pyramid structures at your own pace and guided tours are also available. If you’re feeling truly adventurous you can walk to the top of the pyramid and visit the ornate church. Don’t forget to take in the view of Popocatepetl, the massive volcano touring over Cholula. Visitors mentioned the nearby amazing restaurants and incredibly low prices. There isn’t typically a large number of tourists so make plans to see the largest pyramid in the world soon.

Official Website: http://www.vivecholula.com/en/blog-article/sights/2/great-pyramid-of-cholula/

El Castillo at Chichen Itza

Sitting proudly in the center of Chichen Itza is the pyramid called El Castillo which translates as “the castle” in Spanish. It’s also known as the Temple of Kukulcan which likely another name for Quetzalcoatl as both are feathered serpent god. In the Mayan language, “kukul” = feathered and “kan” = snake. Statues of plumed serpents adorn both sides of the northern staircase. El Castillo has some unique engineering. Each of the 4 stairways has 91 steps. Adding them up and including the final landing at the top as a step gives you a total of 365 representing the days on the Mayan calendar. 91 is also the number of days that separates the 4 phases of the solar cycles: winter solstice, spring equinox, summer solstice and fall equinox. In fact, on the spring and fall equinoxes and amazing display of light and shadow gives the appearance of a snake descending the steps. The amazing interplay of light and shadow would allow to track harvest seasons and plan annual ceremonies. The pyramid is also built in such a way that sound reverberates in front of it so it someone was speaking from the top they would be heard clearly. In ancient times the pyramid was brightly colored with rich greens and blues and though you can’t see any trace of color on the pyramid today, examples of the colors remain in covered locations through Chichen Itza. Resting on the Yucatan peninsula, Chichen Itza is the last great city of the Maya. The name Chichen Itza means “at the mouth of the well of the Itza.” The Itza were the ethnic group of Mayans that built the city of Chichen Itza. The name alludes to the fact the site is built around underground bodies of water known as cenotes. Surrounding the pyramids are several temples and the largest ball court in Mesoamerica.

Visiting El Castillo at Chichen Itza: Chichen Itza is a 6 hour bus ride from the resort district in Cancun. Along the ride, you will stop and see how tequila is made and you’re invited to explore and swim in the cenotes you encounter. Chichen Itza is a bustling tourist area. You will be bombarded by merchants soon as you exit the bus. Making your way past them, you are immediately blown away by the size and artistry of El Castillo. Tour guides invite the crowds to clap in front of the pyramid to enjoy its amazing acoustics. Hearing the tour guides jokingly called the site “Chicken Pizza” can be tiresome but they are knowledgeable and provide great information as you explore the massive site. Visitors used to be allowed to walk up the steps and enter the temple at top of the pyramid but because of people desecrating the temple with graffiti this was banned several years ago. You can still climb the pyramid steps in nearby Tulum. Brave the heat and enjoy the ancient city, its truly beautiful.

Official Website: https://www.chichenitza.com/

Pyramids of Teotihuacan

Pyramid of the Sun – The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest pyramid in Teotihuacan and at well over 200 feet high, one of the largest in Mesoamerica. What god the pyramid was dedicated to or its purpose is unclear. It is believed that the pyramid is related to Mesoamerican creation myths because the pyramid is built over a cave system. Caves were seen as the “Earth’s womb” in Mexican mythology and some myths say that the sun and moon emerged from caves. Early archaeologists searched inside the pyramid for evidence of tombs like the pyramids in Egypt, but nothing was found. They did find obsidian artifacts inside the caves and stone structures, but they don’t appear to be in the form of any ruler. Evidence of looting was found so the pyramid continues to withhold its secrets.

Pyramid of the Moon – The Pyramid of the Moon is smaller than the Pyramid of the Sun, but scholars believe it’s older. The pyramid sits at the end of the Avenue of the Dead and mirrors the Cerro Gordo, the large dormant volcano that overlooks the pyramid. The pyramid sitting at the end of the Avenue of the Dead symbolizes a procession. If the Pyramid of the Sun represents birth the Pyramid of the Moon has some connection to the Underworld. The discovery of skeleton surrounded by offerings leads scholars to believe the pyramid was a place for sacrificial burials. However, like the Pyramid of the Sun, the more artifacts that are found only add to the questions and mysteries of Teotihuacan.

Pyramid of the Feather Serpent – Teotihuacano art told stories or conveyed ideas similar to Egyptian hieroglyphics. On the smallest of the 3 large pyramids on the site, Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent is a story though it is still being deciphered. The Pyramid used to be called the Temple of Quetzalcoatl based on statues and iconography of the feathered serpent adorning the structure. The serpent isn’t alone on the pyramid. There is a googly eyed crocodile believed to be the god Cipactli. The pyramid also has a connection to the cosmos. Underneath the pyramid is a tunnel lined with clay spheres covered with golden pyrite and metallic dust depicting a passage through space. In Mayan mythology the crocodile is associated with Great Rift, a darkened area of the Milky Way. Like the other two pyramids, this one remains mysterious.

Visiting Teotihuacan: The experience of walking down the Avenue of the Dead with the large Pyramid of the Moon in the distance summoning you to come closer is priceless. With that in mind, Teotihuacan is the most visited archaeological site in Mexico so when visiting brace for crowds, lines and some overpriced souvenirs. There are a few ways to enjoy the site. You can take a hot air balloon and view the pyramids from the sky which is a peaceful and beautiful way to admire the architecture. While you can not explore the tunnels, you are welcome to walk up many of the pyramids in the area. Bask in the mystery of the ancient city and enjoy the amazing pyramids.

Official Website: https://www.mexperience.com/travel/pyramids/teotihuacan/

Monks's Mound

Visiting Monk’s Mound: Taking a trip to Cahokia State Park is simple enough. Upon arrival you will realize just how much of Cahokia’s history modern civilization must have erased. Residential housing is visible from Monks Mound and busy road is in front of it. The site has a museum about Native American history. Walking up the mound is a great experience. Many of the mounds in the area are also handicap accessible. Bring the family and learn more about Native American culture. From up close you can better decide whether these mounds are true pyramids or not.

Official Website: https://cahokiamounds.org/visit/

Pyramid of Hellinikon

”Traveling from Argus to the region of Epidaurus, there is a building to the right that resembles very much a pyramid and bears relief carved shields of the shape of the Argolic shields. In this place Proetus had battled with Acrisius for the throne and they say that the battle ended without a winner; for this reason, they were later reconciled, as none could achieve a decisive victory. It is said that this was the first time that men and armies equipped with shields clashed; for those that fell in this battle from both armies, since they were compatriots and even relatives, a common tomb was built in that place.”

It seems Pausinias considered the pyramid to be a memorial to a battle, but questions still linger. Several small archaeological digs on the site yielded Roman lamps and shards of pottery with an unclear date of origin. No human remains were found, so scholars do not believe it was a tomb. A civil engineer in 1994 noted the possibility that the structure never was a full pyramid, leading scholars to believe it was a type of ancient observatory. Curiously, the pyramid has no connection to the Egyptian style of pyramid in shape or construction despite their being a history of trade between the regions. Even the dates of construction remain a mystery with some scholars saying it was built between c. 2700 and 1100 BCE and it appears the Pyramid of Hellinikon will hold on to its secrets a big longer.

Visiting the Pyramid of Hellinikon - The pyramid is nestled in the Grecian countryside. There are numerous hiking paths surround the town Ellinko and the pyramid. Picturesque castles and other ruins adorn the region. Motorcycle tours are available with tour guide. The area isn’t crowded with tourists and if you’re tall, be sure to watch your head as you navigate the low edges and arcs of the pyramid. Ancient Greece has numerous myths and gods and as you journey the country surrounding the pyramid you can feel the magic surrounding you. Book a trip to one of the world’s most majestic places.

Official Website: http://grecorama.com/en/the-pyramid-of-hellinikon/

City of Caral

The large structures were built using the “shicra bag” technique. The shicra bag technique consisted of workers gathering long slender grass known as shicra, tying them up and placing them in meshed bags, filling the bags with boulders, then placing them in trenches, behind retaining walls creating a solid foundation to build on. It’s believed the bags were used during construction to protect the buildings from earthquakes. The bags also allowed the people of Caral to build pyramids up 230 feet into the sky. From the top of the pyramid there was housing where the ruling elite would be able to survey the citizens easily. The site is recently discovered but its legacy has already been noted by the UNESCO:

“The Sacred City of Caral-Supe reflects the rise of civilization in the Americas. As a fully developed socio-political state, it is remarkable for its complexity and its impact on developing settlements throughout the Supe Valley and beyond… The design of both the architectural and spatial components of the city is masterful, and the monumental platform mounds and recessed circular courts are powerful and influential expressions of a consolidated state.”

Visiting the City of Caral: Getting to the site is a 3-hour drive from Lima, Peru and there are countless tours available. More of them are in Spanish than English so bring a translator. It’s also a very large site so come early and be prepared to walk. The heat is also intense so stay hydrated while out there. You are welcome to climb any of the six pyramids on the site and enjoy the spectacular view of the oldest city in the Americas.

Official Website: https://www.peru.travel/en/attractions/caral

Pyramid of Guimar

Visiting the Pyramids of Guimar: There are a few reasons to want to visit the Pyramids of Guimar. First, its on a beautiful island near Spain. The tropical paradise combining with amazing Spanish cuisine is reason to visit. There are several sites near the pyramids that are worthy of exploration. Thor Heyerdahl has made great efforts not only to preserve the site but also contextualize its construction. The Casa Chacona museum has pictures of pyramids from around the world to compare to those in Guimar along with some of Heyerdahl’s theories as to how they got there. It’s a must see for any pyramid enthusiast or lover of history. If pyramids aren’t your thing there is the Poison Garden which houses 70 toxic plants from around the world. The islands are incredible and while questions abound as to who built them and their purpose, they do draw your attention. Book a trip for the beautiful Canary Islands today.

Official Website: https://www.piramidesdeguimar.es/en

La Danta at El Mirador

“Based upon conversations with present-day Maya spiritual leaders, researchers believe the three-point configuration represents a celestial hearth containing the fire of creation. The Maya thought three stars in the constellation Orion (Alnitak, Saiph and Rigel) were the hearth stones surrounding the fire—a nebula called M42, which is visible just below Orion’s belt.”

Scholars estimate it took over 15-million-man days to build the enormous pyramid. Each of the stones weighing a thousand pounds would have taken at least twelve men to carry from the quarry 700 meters away. The construction took Herculean efforts by the Mayan populace but despite those efforts the site was abandoned 100 CE and left to swallowed by the rainforest. One can only wonder if it was as brightly colored as Chichen Itza once was. Either way, the sprawling Mayan city in the jungle watched over by the massive La Danta is still a sight to behold.

Visiting La Danta at El Mirador: As mysterious and as impressive the construction is at El Mirador it’s as daunting a task to reach the site. You can take an expensive helicopter ride over the lush jungle to visit or if you’re feeling more adventurous you can take a 3-day hike through the habitats of monkeys and jaguars. The site itself is not tourist friendly as massive efforts are going on to prevent the collapse of the structures. You can still climb the steps, but you do so at your own risk. The site is at risk from deforestation funding by local cartels. It would be a travesty to lose such an amazing piece of history. As a lifelong fan of Indiana Jones movies, the trip is on my “to do” list for sure.

Official Website: https://www.themayanruinswebsite.com/el-mirador.html

Final Thoughts

After taking the pyramid tour above I hope you are intrigued as to how many other pyramids exist. They are really all over the world. Some locations that weren't in this initial list but worthy of exploration are Gunang Pandang in Indonesia, the numerous Meroe Pyramids in Sudan. There are plenty of websites and YouTube videos crediting the construction of pyramids to extra terrestrial sources. While some pyramids were created to honor the stars or even inspired by the heavens, their creation is one of humanity's most remarkable achievements. The fact that so many adorn the globe should make you realize we are all more connected than we realize. This page will expand to show more sites in the future and if these places are able to explored, I'm encouraging you to do it. So together, let's continue to unravel and honor the mysteries of the planet. Pyramids are only the beginning.