Pyramids

 ** Pyramids ** Altogether there were about 80 pyramids built for kings of Egypt. ** Why build pyramids? **  The Egyptians believed that if the pharaoh's body could be mummified after death the pharaoh would live forever. They believed people in heaven lived the same as people on earth except without any problems. This is why the pharaoh was buried with food, furniture, and other items needed in regular life. Archaeologists even found models of objects from everyday life formed from clay inside the pyramids. The Egyptians believed that there was magical power to making models. Models of boats, soldiers, cattle, and people were found. A soul house was special kind of model. It was a little home for Ka. They were built with details like stairs and pillars. Egyptians ordered pyramids built because they feared their remains would be disturbed by grave robbers. Passageways were built at several angles throughout the pyramids and these passageways were later sealed with heavy stones. The pyramids were connected to other buildings by tunnels. Priests would visit the tomb to pray and leave fresh food for the dead person. ** How Pyramids were Built **  A path of wooden rollers was made so that sledges carrying the great stone blocks could move more easily. Ramps were built for the sledges to carry the blocks up the sides of the pyramids. As each layer of the pyramid was completed the ramp was made higher and longer. Once the blocks were hauled up the ramp, ropes and levers were used to move the blocks into position. After the blocks were in place a casing fine-quality limestone was put over the stones. The workers were housed in barracks. Skilled stonemasons and some laborers worked on the pyramid all year long. Others worked during the flood season when crops could not be raised. Some farmers used this work as a means of paying taxes.