The pyramids did not all look the same. The builders learned by trying, and you can see their experiments in the desert today.
Key idea
The first pyramid, built for King Djoser, had six big steps. Later, King Sneferu built the Bent Pyramid, whose angle changes partway up, and then the Red Pyramid, the first smooth-sided pyramid to be finished. His son Khufu built the Great Pyramid.
Why it works
Before Djoser, kings were buried under low, flat tombs of mud brick. Djoser's builder, Imhotep, built in stone and stacked six layers, each smaller than the one below. Next, builders tried filling in the steps to make smooth sides. On the Bent Pyramid they changed to a gentler slope partway up, probably because the steep slope was not safe. They used the gentler slope for the Red Pyramid, and it stood firm.
Worked example: Put them in order
Order these from oldest to newest: the Great Pyramid, the Step Pyramid, the Bent Pyramid.
- Djoser's Step Pyramid came first (c. 2667–2648 BC).
- Sneferu's Bent Pyramid came next.
- Khufu, Sneferu's son, built the Great Pyramid after that.
Answer: Step Pyramid, Bent Pyramid, Great Pyramid.
Common mistake
Thinking every pyramid looks the same. The builders tried steps, then a bent slope, then smooth sides. Check the shape: steps mean early; a bend means Sneferu was still experimenting.