What were pyramids used for in ancient Egypt?

In ancient Egypt, pyramids primarily served as grand burial tombs for pharaohs. They symbolized the pharaoh's power and served as a means of ensuring their safe passage to the afterlife. This belief in the afterlife was deeply rooted in Egyptian culture, and the construction of these monumental structures reflected the society's values and religious practices. The pyramids were meticulously designed to protect the body and the pharaoh's treasures, which they believed would accompany him into the next world.

Each pyramid was part of a larger funerary complex that included temples and smaller tombs for nobles. The scale and precision of pyramid construction demonstrated the Egyptians' advanced engineering skills and their commitment to honoring their leaders after death. The use of pyramids as burial places was prevalent during the Old and Middle Kingdom periods, and they became iconic symbols of ancient Egyptian civilization.