Pyramid
in Egyptian antiquities, a solid structure substantially invariable in form, viz., a simple mass resting on a square or sometimes approximately square base, with the sides facing with slight deviations toward the four principal winds, and tapering off gradually toward the top to a point or to a flat sur face, as a substitute for an apex. The pyramids ds were constructed in platforms, and then revêted or coated with blocks or slabs of granite. The interior of these massive structures contains narrow passages, and some totally dark halls or chambers, and probably served as the burial places of the kings who had caused them to be constructed. The pyramids of Egypt begin immediately S. of Cairo, and continue S. at varying intervals for nearly 70 miles. The largest is that of Cheops, at Ghizeh, standing on a base each side of which was originally 764 feet long, but owing to the removal of the coating is now only