Sakkara, Egypt, 2,630BC. A man stands atop a structure of dizzying height as the final block grinds into place. For Imhotep, it is the culmination of his life’s work: a mountain made by man. He checks the joint while his workers wait in silence. Then, he gives a barely perceptible nod. It is done.
Imhotep’s pyramid is the first, but more will come. Bigger pyramids, more beautiful pyramids, tombs filled with treasure, chambers inscribed with complex, sacred writings.
But what motivated these ancient people to toil for decades over their vast monuments? What purpose did the structures serve? And what mysteries might still remain inside?
This is a Short History of Pyramids.
Written by Jo Furniss. With thanks to Salima Ikram, Professor of Egyptology at the American University of Cairo.
For ad-free listening, exclusive content and early access to new episodes, join Noiser+. Now available for Apple and Android users. Click the Noiser+ banner on Apple or go to noiser.com/subscriptions to get started with a 7-day free trial.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Stonehenge
Amelia Earhart
Marco Polo
The Spartans
Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail
The Great Fire of London
Queen Elizabeth the Second, Part 2 of 2
Queen Elizabeth the Second, Part 1 of 2
The Terracotta Army
Chernobyl
Henry VIII
Pearl Harbor, Part 3 of 3
Pearl Harbor, Part 2 of 3
Pearl Harbor, Part 1 of 3
The Russian Revolution
The Titanic
The Vikings
The Knights Templar
Prohibition
The Watergate Scandal
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Curious History of Your Home
Legacy
Dan Snow’s History Hit
Real Dictators
Gone Medieval