Egypt's ancient pyramids have left visitors awestruck for thousands of years, and continue to do so today. Although largely associated exclusively with Egypt, the pyramid shape was first used in ancient Mesopotamia in the mud-brick structures known as ziggurats. The ancient Egyptians built pyramids as tombs for the pharaohs and their queens. The pharaohs were buried in pyramids of many different shapes and sizes. The most famous Egyptian pyramids are those found at Giza , on the outskirts of Cairo. The Pyramids by Mark Telford, Aged 8yrs Mark has answered these questions: The Great Pyramid is constructed by Pharaoh Khufu Cheops. This pyramid appears larger than the adjacent Khufu pyramid by virtue of its more elevated location, and the steeper angle of inclination of its construction — it is, in fact, smaller in both height and volume. See inside a tomb Wow! The pyramids were built by skilled workers who were paid a wage. Owen Jarus, Live Science Contributor Owen Jarus writes about archaeology and all things about humans' past for Live Science. The Egyptians — Pyramids Egyptians. The northern structure's owner is believed to be pharaoh Nebka , while the southern structure, known as the Layer Pyramid , may be attributable to the Third Dynasty pharaoh Khaba , a close successor of Sekhemkhet. History Enthusiast Teacher Student. Network Top Ten Reviews Tom's Guide Laptop Mag Tom's Hardware Business News Daily Tom's IT Pro Space. A major advance occurred during the reign of the pharaoh Djoser reign started around B. George Washington John Adams Thomas Jefferson Abraham Lincoln Franklin D. Egypt at its Origins. A great many more have since been discovered.