A pyramid (from Greek: ????�??

pyram�s)[1][2] is a structure whose outer surfaces

are triangular and converge to a single step at the top, making the shape roughly a
pyramid in the geometric sense. The base of a pyramid can be trilateral,
quadrilateral, or of any polygon shape. As such, a pyramid has at least three outer
triangular surfaces (at least four faces including the base). The square pyramid,
with a square base and four triangular outer surfaces, is a common version.

A pyramid's design, with the majority of the weight closer to the ground,[3] and
with the pyramidion on top, means that less material higher up on the pyramid will
be pushing down from above. This distribution of weight allowed early civilizations
to create stable monumental structures.

Civilizations in many parts of the world have
by volume is the Great Pyramid of Cholula, in
thousands of years, the largest structures on
Pyramid in the Dashur Necropolis and then the
Egypt�the latter is the only one of the Seven
remaining.
built pyramids. The largest pyramid
the Mexican state of Puebla. For
Earth were pyramids�first the Red
Great Pyramid of Khufu, both in
Wonders of the Ancient World still