The pyramids were built as tombs for the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. The early kings, or pharaohs, were buried in tombs inside roughly built stepped pyramids.
The greatest pyramids came later. The largest is that of the pharaoh Khufu (also called Cheops) at Giza. Over two million blocks of stone were needed, each dragged into place by hundreds of slaves.
Inside the burial chamber, the pharaoh’s body, preserved as a mummy wrapped in cloth, was buried in a stone tomb. Around him were food, cloths, weapons: everything that he might need in the next world.