How much do you know about pyramids? Find out with this quiz

We associate the term pyramid with ancient Egypt. However, not many of us know that these ancient manmade structures are spread all across the world such as, in Sudan, China, North and South America and the Middle East. In fact, while Egypt has only 130 pyramids, Sudan has at least double that number, while there are maximum numbers in the American continents.  

A pyramid is an ancient and massive construction with a square or rectangular base and four triangular sides that conjoint in an apex. The most famous examples of pyramids are the tombs built in Egypt, such as the Giza Pyramids or the ones built in Mesoamerica as bases of temples.  

Although Egypt now has limited number of existing pyramids, the idea of archaeological wonders originated in this African country. In fact, pyramids were built as tombs for Egyptian royalties who believed that their kings (pharaohs) were god’s representatives on earth and deserved a proper burial. That is why, they believed that it was essential for them to keep their pharaohs intact even after death and during their afterlife. As a result, they preserved their corpses (through mummification) into these pyramids along with their life’s belongings to take care of their spirits and souls. Take this quiz to find out how much more do you know about pyramids.  

Q1) What is the name of the oldest Egyptian pyramid? 

1. The Great Pyramid of Giza 

2. Saqqara Pyramid 

3. Red Pyramid 

4. Nubian Pyramid 

Q2) Where is the Pyramid of the Sun and the Moon located? 

1. Egypt 

2. Sudan 

3. Guatemala 

4. Mexico 

Q3) Which pyramid is based on the Mayan Calendar? 

1. Temple of Kukulkan 

2. Pyramid of Cestius 

3. Nubian Pyramid 

4. Black Pyramid 

Q4) Which pyramid was built during the Mesopotamian civilisation? 

1. The Great Pyramid of Giza 

2. Pyramid of the Sun and the Moon 

3. Red Pyramid 

4. Ziggurat of Ur 

Q5) The Great Pyramid of Cholula is dedicated to which god? 

1. Mesoamerican god of knowledge 

2. Mesoamerican god of death 

3. Mesoamerican god of afterlife 

4. Mesoamerican god of wind and wisdom 

ANSWERS: 

Q1. (b) 

The oldest Egyptian pyramid is called the Saqqara pyramid. It is a stepped pyramid that was built in 2630 BC for the third king of the Dynastic era, King Djoser. Saqqara Pyramid is now better known as Step Pyramid. 

Q2. (d) 

The Pyramid of the Sun and the Moon is located at Teotihuacan in Mexico. This is also a step pyramid with a series of caves underneath. 

Q3. (a) 

The pyramid known as Temple of Kukulkan is situated in Guatemala and is based on Mayan calendar. In fact, this step pyramid has 91 steps on each of its side and a platform, making the number of steps to 365, one for each day of the Mayan calendar. 

Q4. (d) 

Ziggurat of Ur pyramid was built during the Mesopotamian civilisation and is thus situated in present day Iraq. This step pyramid was a place of worship in ancient Mesopotamia and was built for burying the Sumerian King Ur-Nammu in mid-21^st century BC.  

Q5. (d) 

The Great Pyramid of Cholula, located in Pueblo, Mexico is dedicated to Mesoamerican god of wind and wisdom named Quetzalcoatl. This deity is an equivalent of a feathered serpent.