Why did the ancient Egyptians use the pyramid shape?
Egyptologists have developed many theories about why the tombs of the early pharaohs were built in the pyramid shape. Here are three different ideas: The pyramid represented the first land to appear at the beginning of time- a hill called ‘Ben-Ben’. The pyramid had sloping sides so that the dead pharaoh could symbolically climb to the sky and live forever. The pyramid represented the rays of the sun. Kings of the DeadAncient Egyptians believed that when the pharaoh died, he became Osiris, king of the dead. The new pharaoh became Horus, god of the heavens and protector of the sun god. This cycle was symbolized by the rising and setting of the sun.Some part of a dead pharaoh’s spirit, called his ka, was believed to remain with his body. And it was thought that if the corpse did not have proper care, the former pharaoh would not be able to carry out his new duties as king of the dead. If this happened, the cycle would be broken and disaster would befall Egypt.To prevent such a catastrophe
