The Fascinating Etymology of Egyptian Pyramids: Beyond 'Pyramid'

The pyramids of ancient Egypt, towering structures that have captured the imagination of people for millennia, have undergone many transformations over time. One fascinating inquiry is the names given to these monumental edifices by the ancient Egyptians themselves. Intriguingly, the term 'pyramid' is not a native Egyptian word; it was later adopted from Greek. This article delves into the mysteries of the original Egyptian names for these structures and the evolution of the term over time.

Exploring the Egyptian Names for Pyramids

The ancient Egyptians did not have a specific name for the pyramids as we understand them today. Instead, they referred to the structures using terms that carried different connotations. For instance, a common term used for a single pyramid was Myr bennet, where Myr means 'weatlands' or 'place of reeds,' a reference to the Egyptian paradise or 'happy place.' However, bennet was the feminine form of bennet, which means 'shining' or 'matter'

It is imperative to note that the ancient Egyptians did not name these structures because they did not build them. They did not have the technological or measurement capabilities to understand the dimensions of these grand constructions. Therefore, the builders themselves gave the pyramids their names, which were often descriptive and contextual to their purposes. For example, the Great Pyramid of Giza was known as "The Horizon of Khufu."

The Term "Pyramid" in Greek

The term 'Pyramid' that we commonly use today stems from the Greek language. The word 'pyramid' was derived from pyramis, a term that referred to a type of wheatbread cake. The word is a combination of pyra, which means 'fire,' and mid, which means 'middle,' with a negative connotation (mis), making it mean 'fire in the middle' in the original Greek. While this etymology is interesting, it does not reflect the original Egyptian names for these structures.

The Hieroglyphic Notation and Loss of Context

While the ancient Egyptians had a system of hieroglyphs to denote the pyramids, these names were not uniform. The term Myr was often used on its own to refer to a place of prosperity, and when a word was needed for a group of pyramids, M (the bird) and R (the eye) were used to form MHR or MER. The exact pronunciation of these hieroglyphs has been lost to time, as the last speakers of hieroglyphic texts died out around the 4th century CE. In hieroglyphic representation, the actual pyramid shape was silent, while the bird and the eye were used to denote the place.

Over time, the term Myr fell out of use for individual pyramids and instead came to refer to the entryways or archways leading to the pyramids. This transformation altered the context of the word, shifting it from a reference to the structures themselves to a place that led to them.

The Capstone and Its Significance

A significant aspect of the ancient pyramids, and one that often goes overlooked, is the presence of the capstone. Evidence from ancient texts and hieroglyphs reveals that each pyramid originally had a capstone, a piece that was carefully crafted and placed at the tip of the structure. The capstone was known in hieroglyphs as Benbennet, which also referred to a ceremonial bread loaf. This bread loaf was specifically shaped to resemble a capstone, underlining the importance of this architectural feature.

Given the reverence and ritual significance of the capstone, it is no surprise that each pyramid had its own unique capstone. The loss of these capstones has significantly altered our current understanding of the pyramids, as modern visitors see structures without their crowning glory. Nevertheless, the presence of the capstone is an essential part of the original design, highlighting the awe-inspiring and profoundly symbolic nature of these ancient structures.

Conclusion

The names and descriptions of the pyramids in ancient Egypt offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and linguistic heritage of this civilization. From the Egyptian term Myr bennet to the Greek-derived 'Pyramid,' and the ceremonial bread called Benbennet, the naming and understanding of these monumental structures have evolved significantly over time. The legacy of these names and their meanings continues to intrigue scholars and enthusiasts alike, providing a continual source of discovery and fascination in the study of ancient Egypt.