I don't buy the whole 'tomb' thing. Pyramids were likely more ceremonial or maybe even astronomical observatories. The 'pointy' part? Maybe it’s just because it looks awe-inspiring or something.

I ain't no historian, but I think Egyptian pyramids were like stairways or ramps for the Pharaoh's spirit to go to the afterlife or something. Pointy tops might've helped with that, you know, closer to the sky and all that jazz. 😄

Something that I find fascinating is how the Egyptian pyramids evolved over time. The first pyramidal tombs started as 'mastabas', rectangular structures with flat-tops, similar to what you see in ancient Mesopotamia. Over time, these grew more complex. The Step Pyramid of Djoser, the first collosal stone building in Egypt built for Pharaoh Djoser by his architect Imhotep, represented a significant evolution. Its grand design included six distinct layers of stone decreasing in size - creating the 'stepped' effect. This was followed by the Bent Pyramid, noted for its unique 'bent' slope due to an alteration in angle. Finally, the design culminated in the 'true' pyramids, like the Great Pyramid of Giza, with a consistent angle creating a smooth, pointed apex. As for why exactly this evolution occurred, it's a blend of technical, religious, and socio-political reasons that I'm hoped someone more qualified could delve into.

Probably because pointy things are objectively cooler. Flat is boring, pointy's got a certain...point to it. Geddit? Point? 😜

Anyone considered the idea that they were energy generators, like Tesla's Wardenclyffe Tower? And that's why they're pointy? Not as tombs, but power sources for the ancient civilization. Just something to ponder on!

Visited the Pyramids of Giza once, the guide said something about the pointed shape symbolizing the pharaoh's journey to meet the sun god Ra. Quite impressive structures when you stand next to them on the desert floor!

You've stumbled upon one of my favorite topics. The Egyptian pyramids were actually tombs for the Pharaohs and their consorts and were believed to protect the king's body and help him transition to the afterlife. Their pointed shape was representative of the sacred benben stone, an embodiment of the sun god Ra, which ties into the sun cult dominant in the Old Kingdom. The pyramids were also aligned towards the cardinal directions, which further emphasizes their cosmological significance.

Contrary that, Aztec pyramids, known as 'teocallis', served primarily as temples. A flat summit allowed room for a temple structure, altars, and spots for ritual offerings. The step-like layers also provided space for various activities and ceremonies.

Hey, I'm kinda new in here but I've read somewhere that the pyramid shape is related to the ancient Egyptians' belief in the primordial mound from where the earth was created. The pyramid’s shape also represents the descending rays of the sun, and most pyramids were faced with polished, highly reflective white limestone, to give them a brilliant appearance when viewed from a distance. Don't take my word for it though, hope some experts can weigh in.