The Pyramids as tombs

The most widely recognised theory is that the pyramids were built as pharaohs' tombs. One of the strongest supporting factor of the 'tomb-theory' is that the explorers, who were the first to enter the pyramids in modern time, all believed and reported they had been used as tombs. Herodotus' account about Great Pyramid is less clear but also interpreted as supporting this view. Furthermore, in most of the pyramids, coffers were find of appropriate dimensions to hold a human body. On the other hand, the other's side evidence is that no king's body has ever been found inside. However, this is explained by the fact that most of the pyramids have been broken into by robbers, sometimes even soon after they were built. But, the fact that Sneferu built not one but three pyramids should not be missed. The other important counter-argument is the geomertic accuracy, supposedly unnecessary for a funeral edifice. Especially in the case of Great pyramid, the blocks are layed with a precision that is well above today's standards. When discussing the pro- and anti- 'tomb-theory' arguments, it is also important that the symbolism involved in egiptian belief in after-life is considered.

In addition to that, several 'alternative views' exist on why, when and who built (some of) the pyramids. The 'why' answer ranges from astonomic observatory to power plant, and more imaginative ones. Some accept the 'tomb-theory' but suggest the pyramids might have also had other purpose. Others also disagree on 'when' and 'who', their answer usually goes back to a lost civilization. The arguments for this theories, apart from the above mentioned anti-'tomb-theory' arguments, are not so easy to discuss and are also less accepted. However, one should be aware that the ancient Egiptians were quite a progressive civilization, possibly with knowledge and abilities not known today. How they lifted and placed 70 tones blocks found in the Great pyramid (and even much heavier in e.g. Sphinx complex), remains a mistery to us.

Links

Theories

Theories on the mistery of the Great Pyramid - a review of theories, official and alternetive

The pyramids - articles opposing the 'tomb-theory'

Proceede to Overview of the most important pyramids.