pyramid

Monumental structures with a square or triangular base and inclined triangular sides, usually meeting at a point. The most famous pyramids are those used as mausolea in ancient Egypt; they were focal points of much larger funerary complexes.

Louvre Museum and Pyramid at Blue Hour with Reflections, Paris, — Blue hour view of the Richileu Wing of the Louvre Museum and the Louvre Pyramid, reflected in water. Paris, France. Image credit: Holly Hayes

Quick Facts on pyramid

Go Historic ID

161

Getty AAT ID

300004838

Term Type

building/structure category

Parent Terms

Child Terms

Related Terms

Description

Monumental structures with a square or triangular base and inclined triangular sides, usually meeting at a point. The most famous pyramids are those used as mausolea in ancient Egypt; they were focal points of much larger funerary complexes. However, pyramids, usually with flat tops, are also found in Central America, where they were used as platforms for altars or temples, occasionally also covering the burial chamber of a ruler.

Definition

Monumental structures with a square or triangular base and inclined triangular sides, usually meeting at a point. The most famous pyramids are those used as mausolea in ancient Egypt; they were focal points of much larger funerary complexes. However, pyramids, usually with flat tops, are also found in Central America, where they were used as platforms for altars or temples, occasionally also covering the burial chamber of a ruler.

Art & Architecture Thesaurus (AAT)®