Step pyramids, also known as temple towers, are magnificent structures crafted from multiple layers or steps of stone. These architectural marvels were constructed by various ancient civilizations across the globe.
The initial pyramids of ancient Egypt took the form of step pyramids, while in Mesopotamia and Persia, towering temple structures called ziggurats were erected as early as the 3rd millennium BC.
However, the majority of step pyramids featured on our top ten list originate from Mesoamerica, where some of the grandest and most aesthetically pleasing pyramids ever built can be found.
14. Calakmul
Calakmul, located in the lush jungles of Mexico’s state of Campeche, is a captivating Mayan site that has remained hidden for centuries.
This remarkable ancient city boasts an impressive collection of over 6,500 structures, making it one of the largest Mayan settlements ever discovered. Towering above the rest is Calakmul’s extraordinary pyramid, stretching an impressive 55 meters in height.
Similar to their counterparts in Mesoamerica, the Mayans at Calakmul ingeniously expanded the pyramid’s grandeur by constructing new layers upon an existing temple, resulting in its magnificent size that we witness today.
13. Monte Alban
Monte Alban, situated on a hilltop in the Valley of Oaxaca, has a rich history as a significant ceremonial center in southern Mexico. It is located about 9 kilometers west of the modern city of Oaxaca.
Standing tall at an impressive elevation of 400 meters from the valley floor, Monte Alban boasts a sprawling flat hilltop terrace known as the Gran Plaza, extending from north to south.
The grand plaza is flanked by two imposing pyramid mounds at its ends, while the surrounding area is adorned with stepped platforms and terraces constructed with sizable stone blocks.
12. El Tajin
El Tajín, a significant city on the Gulf Coast of Mexico, was established by the ancient Veracruz culture. Between the years 600 and 900 AD, the majority of the structures were built at this archaeological site.
Among them, the Pyramid of the Niches stands out as El Tajín’s most renowned edifice. Unlike any other in the Americas, this pyramid stretches 20 meters (66 ft) tall across seven tiers, featuring a spacious staircase on its eastern side.
11. Uxmal
Uxmal, derived from the Mayan language meaning “built three times,” stands as one of Mexico’s most astonishingly intact Pre-Columbian sites. Standing proudly at a towering height of 115 feet, the Pyramid of the Magician is perhaps its most iconic feature.
Interestingly, unlike the conventional rectangular or square layers seen in other Mayan pyramids, this step pyramid boasts oval-shaped layers.
Spanning five distinct phases, construction of the pyramid commenced in the sixth century and persisted intermittently until the 10th century.
10. Teotihuacan
During the 2nd century BC, a thriving civilization emerged in the valley of Mexico. This civilization, known for their monumental achievements, constructed the magnificent city of Teotihuacán and its impressive step pyramids.
One of the most notable structures, the Pyramid of the Sun, was built in approximately 100 AD and reached an impressive height of 246 feet (75 meters), making it the largest building in Teotihuacán and one of the grandest in Mesoamerica.
Around a century later, construction on the smaller Pyramid of the Moon began and was finally completed in 450 A.D. Centuries after the fall of the Teotihuacán empire, the Aztecs revered and utilized these pyramids, turning them into revered pilgrimage sites.
9. Candi Sukuh
Candi Sukuh, a Hindu temple dating back to the 15th century, can be found on the western side of Mount Lawu in Central Java, Indonesia. This remarkable site features a majestic step pyramid as its focal point, adorned with astonishing life-sized figures.
What sets Candi Sukuh apart from other Hindu and Buddhist temples in Java is its intriguing resemblance to the ancient Mayan civilization. Within Candi Sukuh, one can observe a pervasive theme of spiritual liberation artfully portrayed through its intricate reliefs and statues.
Contrary to popular belief, while the temple does not shy away from sensuality, it is not as explicitly erotic as some may suggest. However, the presence of elements related to fertility rituals within its design is unmistakable.
8. Caracol
Caracol, situated majestically on the Vaca Plateau, stands proudly at an elevation of 500 meters (1650 ft) above the sea level, proudly claiming the title of the largest Maya site in Belize.
Once upon a time, it flourished as one of the grandest ancient Maya cities, sprawling across an impressive expanse of 168 square kilometers (65 mi²).
During its zenith in approximately 650 AD, it boasted a bustling population of around 150,000 individuals, surpassing the current populace of Belize City by more than double.
The mighty Canaa, the pinnacle of Caracol’s architectural prowess, towers over the landscape at a height of 43 meters (143 ft) and remains unrivaled as Belize’s tallest human-made structure to this day.
7. Tomb of the General
The Tomb of the General is a burial site that holds the remains of King Jangsu, the 20th ruler of Goguryeo, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. King Jangsu ascended the throne when he was just 19 years old in 413 AD and ruled over Goguryeo until his passing in 491 AD.
Under his leadership, Goguryeo flourished and reached its pinnacle, with its territories extending from Mongolia to Chungju.
Often referred to as the Pyramid of the East, this tomb is an impressive structure, measuring 31 meters (102 ft) on each side and standing at 13 meters (43 ft) in height.
Located in Ji’an, China, which was once the capital of Goguryeo, this step pyramid serves as a testament to the legacy of King Jangsu.
6. Palenque
Palenque, found in the state of Chiapas, Mexico, is an intriguing archaeological site situated on the western outskirts of the ancient Maya empire.
The majority of the remarkable structures at Palenque were constructed between the years 600 AD and 800 AD, such as the Temple of Inscriptions which holds the distinction of being the sole Mesoamerican pyramid built specifically as a tomb.
5. Chichen Itza
El Castillo, also known as “The Castle,” is a breathtaking Mayan temple that stands tall and magnificent within the vast archaeological site of Chichen Itza.
Located in the Yucatán state of Mexico, this temple holds a special place in history due to its remarkable design and astronomical importance. The step pyramid is adorned with four faces, each featuring a stairway consisting of precisely 91 steps.
Fascinatingly, when combined with the shared step at the pyramid’s peak, these 365 steps symbolize the exact number of days in a year.
It is worth mentioning that climbing El Castillo is strictly prohibited nowadays, following a tragic incident in 2006 when a woman unfortunately lost her life after falling from its heights.
4. Tikal
Located in the dense rainforest of northern Guatemala, Tikal stands out as one of the most awe-inspiring Mayan sites. The area is dotted with restored structures, while many more lie hidden beneath the lush foliage.
From approximately 200 to 900 AD, Tikal reigned as the largest Mayan city, bustling with an estimated population ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 people.
Nestled within Tikal are six massive step pyramids, with the grandest one, known as Temple-pyramid IV, towering at an impressive height of 72 meters (230 feet) and being completed around 720 AD.
Ascending the steps of these magnificent structures offers a truly remarkable experience, granting breathtaking panoramic views that stretch beyond the tops of the surrounding trees.
3. Chogha Zanbil
The magnificent Chogha Zanbil, located in Iran, was crafted by the ingenious Elamites approximately 1250 BC to pay homage to the revered god Inshushinak, under the auspices of King Untash-Napirisha.
Despite its exterior resembling layered platforms, this temple is truly a breathtaking sight consisting of five distinct towers, each varying in height.
Unlike many ziggurats that succumbed to devastation caused by nature’s wrath or warfare, the Chogha Zanbil ziggurat has withstood the test of time with remarkable preservation.
2. Step Pyramid of Djoser
The Step Pyramid of Djoser, located in the Saqqara necropolis, holds the distinction of being the ancient Egyptians’ inaugural attempt at pyramid construction.
It came into existence during the 27th century BC and was intended to serve as the final resting place for Pharaoh Djoser, at the behest of his trusted advisor Imhotep.
Initially, the structure took the form of a conventional mastaba with a flat roof; however, as Djoser’s reign advanced, it evolved into a remarkable six-tiered pyramid, soaring to a towering height of 204 feet (62 meters).
Similar to earlier mastaba tombs, the burial chambers of the Step Pyramid are concealed below the ground, skillfully concealed within a labyrinth of tunnels.
1. Great Ziggurat of Ur
The Ziggurat of Ur is a remarkable ancient structure located in modern-day Iraq. It is a well-preserved step pyramid that measures about 64 by 46 meters (210×150 ft). This majestic monument stands as a testament to the Sumerians, who lived in a distant era.
The ziggurat served as a crucial part of a temple complex, functioning as an administrative center for the historic city of Ur.
It was constructed in the 21st century BC under the rule of King Shulgi, who cleverly declared himself a deity in order to earn the loyalty of various self-governing cities.
Over time, the step pyramid underwent restoration work in the 6th century BC, when it was reconstructed by King Nabonidus. More recently, in the 20th century, Saddam Hussein, using bricks imprinted with his own name, undertook the task of yet another reconstruction.
