<P> The second historically - documented Egyptian pyramid is attributed to the architect Imhotep, who planned what Egyptologists believe to be a tomb for the pharaoh Djoser . Imhotep is credited with being the first to conceive the notion of stacking mastabas on top of each other, creating an edifice composed of a number of "steps" that decreased in size towards its apex . The result was the Pyramid of Djoser, which was designed to serve as a gigantic stairway by which the soul of the deceased pharaoh could ascend to the heavens . Such was the importance of Imhotep's achievement that he was deified by later Egyptians . </P> <P> The most prolific pyramid - building phase coincided with the greatest degree of absolutist rule . It was during this time that the most famous pyramids, the Giza pyramid complex, were built . Over time, as authority became less centralized, the ability and willingness to harness the resources required for construction on a massive scale decreased, and later pyramids were smaller, less well - built and often hastily constructed . </P> <P> Long after the end of Egypt's own pyramid - building period, a burst of pyramid - building occurred in what is present - day Sudan, after much of Egypt came under the rule of the kings of Napata . While Napatan rule was brief, ending in 661 BC, Egyptian culture made an indelible impression, and during the later Kingdom of Meroë (approximately in the period between 300 BCE--300 CE), this flowered into a full - blown pyramid - building revival, which saw more than two hundred Egyptian - inspired indigenous royal pyramid - tombs constructed in the vicinity of the kingdom's capital cities . </P> <P> Al - Aziz Uthman (1171--1198) tried to destroy the Giza pyramid complex . He gave up after damaging the Pyramid of Menkaure because the task proved too huge . </P>

How many sides do the egyptian pyramids have