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Q1: What were pharaohs buried in before the time of the pyramids?

[Answer]

The pyramids were extraordinary monuments, but they also came to serve a vital purpose in getting the pharaohs to the heavens.

Before the pyramids, tombs were carved into bedrock and flat-roofed buildings were used to cover them. These were called mastabas. Soil mounds often covered the mastabas. This may have been the inspiration for the pyramids.

(Take the loop tour and also see section 4 for more information.)