Mastaba and pyramid are ancient Egyptian structures used as tombs. Although both are used for burials, they have numerous differences in terms of shape, materials, and the people they were intended for.
Key Takeaways
- Mastaba is rectangular with a flat roof and sloping walls, while a pyramid is triangle-shaped with triangular faces.
- Mastaba is usually made from mud brick and primarily used for non-royal burials, whereas a pyramid is made out of bricks and stones and used for pharaoh burials.
- Mastabas have chambers for storing food, while pyramids have a weight distribution that makes them more stable.
Mastabas are typically rectangular, freestanding tombs made out of mud brick, and later, stone. They have a flat roof and walls that slope inward. Mastabas were primarily used for the burials of non-royal people during the Old Kingdom period.
Pyramids, on the other hand, are typically triangular in shape and used for pharaoh burials. They were considered the largest structures in ancient times and were made out of brick and stones. Egyptians used to cover their pyramids with white limestone, which is heavily fossilized with seashells. Pyramids are believed to represent the Egyptians’ belief of where Earth was created.
The main differences between mastabas and pyramids lie in their shape, materials, and purpose. Mastabas are rectangular with flat roofs and sloping walls, while pyramids have triangular faces. Mastabas are usually made out of mud brick and used for non-royal burials, whereas pyramids are made from bricks and stones and used for the burials of pharaohs. Additionally, mastabas have chambers that can be used to store food, while pyramids have a weight distribution that makes them more stable.
In conclusion, while both mastabas and pyramids originated in Egypt and were used for burials, their similarities end there. The ancient Egyptians created these astounding structures to serve different purposes and as a testament to their beliefs and customs.
