The earliest pyramids of Egypt are the largest ever constructed, which seems counterintuitive to human development. Why would the pyramids suddenly shrink in size, only to become huge again centuries later?

This video studies the patterns found within pyramid construction, and provides a context for how their evolution can be made sensible.

Egyptology thinks of the ancient Egyptians as entirely devoted to the afterlife. But even humans four thousand years ago would have a tendency to prioritize their time among the living over any plans for an eternal afterlife.

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0:00 Intro
1:37 Djoser's 1st Stepped Pyramid
2:40 From Mastaba to Pyramid
4:04 Strong central government
5:03 Power vs. Piety
5:51 Nile River visibility
6:48 Diminishing returns
8:13 Pyramid temples grow
8:53 Elite influence
9:52 Speed & efficiency
10:31 Unfinished tombs
11:21 Pyramids vs mastabas
12:17 Large Middle Kingdom pyramids
13:32 Priorities of the living