Comparative Analysis of Egyptian and South American Pyramids 1. Introduction Pyramids are massive monumental structures, erected in many ancient cultures with a diverse architectural tradition such as Mesopotamia, North America, and Western Europe. However, the foremost examples, the single true pyramids, are those built in Egypt and in South America. By comparing the pyramids in these two regions, thus North Africa and Central-South America, some interesting questions arise about human ingenuity, its geographical extent, and historical relations. Primarily, the construction techniques are queried, since they present considerable similarities despite the great distance and consequent isolation between Egypt and the pre-Columbian Andean cultures that erected true pyramids. The pyramid construction in both Egypt and South America is set forth in the framework of the religious and societal features characterizing the two areas during the time periods relative to the pyramid building. Interest is particularly focused on the development of pyramid building in these cultures while the Old Kingdom is chosen for the Egyptian background. The chosen period is, in fact, representative of the highest achievements in pyramid construction, and, therefore, it is that which provides a richer documentation on the culture and the engineering knowledge of the Egyptians. At the same time, the historical questions surrounding this period, such as the economic, social, political and religious conditions, are still today the subject of scholarly debate. Far more uncertain and controversial is the reconstruction of the Andean cosmogonic and religious beliefs; thus an attempt to relate these to the pyramid construction is of interest. Methodologically, some principles are used throughout, such as not trying to establish direct links between the two regions and not dealing with monumental structures erected at other time periods in either Egypt or South America. A wide array of relevant aspects are considered, from the gross architectural styles and the meant religious functions to the technological advancements; such an approach is believed to provide a sound basis for a meaningful comparison between the pyramid construction in Egypt and South America.