How to Compare Pyramids to Ziggaratts

Some pyramids contain terraced steps and stairs, but are still pyramids.

Both pyramids and ziggurats are structures built for religious purposes. The ancient Egyptians are well-known for their Great Pyramids of Giza, which are the largest pyramids on Earth. Many ziggurats have worn away with time, but their ruins indicate sizable structures and compounds were part of the area around the ziggurat. While both structures are made of stone and form inclined pyramid shapes, each has its own unique characteristics.

Instructions

1. Look at its overall shape. Both pyramids and ziggurats commonly feature a square base. Pyramids form a smooth square pyramid in overall shape from the base to the top of the building. Ziggurats form a similar shape but are step-like in appearance. Each of the terraces of a ziggurat get progressively smaller as it increases in height. Also the ziggurat only requires two levels at minimum.

2. Look for a staircase. Pyramids don't have staircases leading up to the temple. Ziggurats have one or two staircases leading up to the second terrace and one main staircase which leads all the way to the top level of the ziggurat.

3. Check to see if the exterior walls set at a vertical or sloped? Zigguratt walls are set at ninety degrees for a straight vertical appearance. Or else they feature a slight incline. Pyramids are always sloped at 51.853 degrees to ensure a specific mathematical relationship between the height of the pyramid and the area of its base.

Tips & Warnings

• Some pyramids, such as Mayan pyramids, have terraced steps, but are still pyramids because they form the complete square pyramid shape.

References

• Mesopotamia: Ziggurats
• Tour Egypt: Construction
• National Geographic: Egypt - Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza