<P> As of November 2008, sources cite either 118 or 138 as the number of identified Egyptian pyramids . Most were built as tombs for the country's pharaohs and their consorts during the Old and Middle Kingdom periods . </P> <P> The earliest known Egyptian pyramids are found at Saqqara, northwest of Memphis . The earliest among these is the Pyramid of Djoser (constructed 2630 BC--2611 BC) which was built during the third dynasty . This pyramid and its surrounding complex were designed by the architect Imhotep, and are generally considered to be the world's oldest monumental structures constructed of dressed masonry . </P> <P> The most famous Egyptian pyramids are those found at Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo . Several of the Giza pyramids are counted among the largest structures ever built . The Pyramid of Khufu at Giza is the largest Egyptian pyramid . It is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence . </P> <P> By the time of the Early Dynastic Period, those with sufficient means were buried in bench - like structures known as mastabas . </P>

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