It is surprising how two civilizations with no contact between them could achieve the same feat: the construction of great pyramids that, in the end, have become their hallmarks. We are talking about the pyramids of Egypt and Mexico. Or, rather, of Mesoamerica, since some of them are spread throughout other territories in the region, such as Guatemala. But despite their similarities, there are important differences between them… and therein lies the beauty for those who come from one of these American countries, or simply for global travelers.
#1. Su datación es distinta
The first thing to know is that the pyramids of Egypt and Mexico are not contemporary. Those of the African country are earlier, since they were built no more and no less than four millennia ago. For example, the famous pyramids of Cheops, Kefren and Mycerinus date back to approximately 2,500 BC. Moreover, this type of construction was not always carried out, but rather during the Ancient Empire.
On the other hand, the pyramids of Mesoamerica cover a very wide but more recent dating. Approximately, between the third and sixteenth centuries of our era, being the sixth, seventh and eighth centuries the most prolific. These pyramids were built by different Mesoamerican cultures that, in spite of their differences, had in common the construction of this type of structures: especially, the Aztecs, the Olmecs and the Mayas.
#2. Rendían culto a destinatarios distintos
Although the pyramids were conceived as a kind of nexus between the earthly world and the afterlife, the Egyptian and Mesoamerican pyramids were intended for different purposes. In the case of the Egyptian pyramids, they were conceived as large structures to house the tomb of the pharaoh, idolized and revered to the point of almost divinization. These pyramids, in reality, guaranteed the most suitable circumstances so that all the elements of his being could remain united and in coexistence, which would guarantee him life in the Hereafter.
However, the pyramids of Mesoamerica were conceived more as temples or sacred monuments from the top of which sacrifices were made to the gods. The place chosen for such sacrifices was not accidental: its highest part was, in turn, the place closest to the divinities. In some cases, these sacrifices were human, so the rituals must have been moments of great tension and violence. On the other hand, the atmosphere that must have reigned in the Egyptian pyramids would have been one of total stillness.
#3. Su diseño y disposición varía
Finally, another more obvious difference is that the shape of the pyramids is not the same. The first pyramids of Egypt had a stepped shape, like that of Saqqara, as an evolution of the primitive mastabas. However, they evolved until they reached the ‘perfect pyramids’ or smooth-faced pyramids, forming a pyramid with four practically symmetrical sides and topped with a point.
However, the pyramids of Mesoamerica are, for the most part, of stepped design, like the first Egyptian pyramids. However, they are not pointed, since the highest part of these pyramids is flat and, above this space, there is another body, generally rectangular in shape, which is the temple itself. In addition, the arrangement of steep stairs, with dozens of steps, by which access to the top of the pyramid is striking.
In any case, the pyramids of Egypt and those of Mexico, Guatemala and other countries in the region are monuments that thrill visitors and, therefore, in many cases are declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, such as those of Giza or Chichen Itza.
