| Pyramidal, | - | |
| Pyramidical, |
Appertaining to, like to a pyramid.
PYRAMIDOID, from the Greek, is what is sometimes called a parabolic spindle, and is a solid figure formed by the revolution of a parabola round its base, or greatest ordinate.
Pyramids, of Egypt, are enormous piles of building, within three leagues of Grand Cairo, and are ranked among the seven wonders of the world.
The pyramids of Giza, the largest of which was originally built by Cheops, are supposed to have been erected about 14 years after the building of Solomon’s temple, about 2665 years ago. The pyramids are known by various names, viz.
Pyramids of Giza, (five in number) which are those already mentioned, and near which the French established a camp in 1799.
Pyramids of Saccara, (three in number.) These stand in the plain of Mummies, and are about 600 feet high.
Dashour Pyramids, (six in number,) stand in the same plain, and appear somewhat lower. The French general Friant, in 1799, pursued Murad Bey across this plain, leaving the pyramids on his left.
The Southern, or Great Pyramid. This pyramid has been called by Bruce, the traveller, the false pyramid. It stands in the plain of Mummies, and appears to be about 600 feet high.
Pyramids, in ruins. Two pyramids of smaller size, which stand near the Fiume mountains, close to Joseph’s canal.