Editing Nubian pyramids (section)

== Key distinctions between Egyptian and Nubian pyramids ==
Approximately 255 pyramids are known to have been constructed by the Nubians, more than double the number constructed in [[Ancient Egypt]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Emma |date=December 2022 |title=These mighty pyramids were built by one of Africa's earliest civilizations |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/sudan-archaeology-pyramdis-kush-nubia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228150606/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/sudan-archaeology-pyramdis-kush-nubia |archive-date=December 28, 2022 |website=www.nationalgeographic.com |publisher=National Geographic}}</ref>

The physical proportions of Nubian pyramids differ markedly from the [[Egyptian pyramids|Egyptian]] pyramids: they are built of stepped courses of horizontally positioned stone blocks and range approximately {{convert|6|-|30|m}} in height, but rise from fairly small foundation footprints, resulting in tall, narrow structures inclined at approximately 70°. Most also have offering temple structures abutting their base with unique Kushite characteristics. Egyptian pyramids of similar height generally had foundation footprints at least five times larger and were inclined at angles between 40–50°.

The most striking difference, however, is that while Egyptian pyramids house tombs of rulers within, Nubian pyramids are built on top of the burial chambers. This was a longtime source of confusion to archaeologists until [[George Andrew Reisner|George Reisner]] discovered that the entryways were filled in and concealed following the ruler's funeral. In this way, the pyramids served as elaborate tombstones, and tributes to the Egyptian way.<ref name=":2" />