Difference Between Mastaba and Pyramid

Mastaba and pyramid are both ancient structures made by the Egyptians. Both are used as tombs. These two descriptions would definitely make us think that they have nothing but similarities but it’s not entirely true. In reality, they are very different.

Mastaba

Mastaba is usually defined as a rectangular, freestanding tomb made out of mud brick. In later years, they were made out of stone, too. The structure is usually consists of the following: flat roof and walls that are slopping in look. Burials of non royal people, these were what mastabas were primarily used for in the Old Kingdom days.

Pyramid

Pyramid is typically shaped like a triangle and is used for pharaoh burials. They used to be considered as the largest structures in Ancient times. They are typically made out of brick and stones. In the ancient days, Egyptians covered their pyramids with white lime stones. These lime stones are heavily fossilized with seashells. Pyramids are believed to represent the Egyptians’ belief of where Earth is created.

Difference between Mastaba and Pyramid

While Mastaba is rectangular in shape, a pyramid is typically shaped like a triangle. Mastaba is usually made from mud brick; Pyramid is made out of bricks and stones. In terms of burial, while mastaba is for non royal burials, pyramid has the distinction of being used for burials of pharaohs. Mastaba has flat roof and slopping walls, Pyramid typically has, more or less, three triangular faces. Mastaba has chambers that can be used to stock food; Pyramid’s weight is closer to the ground that makes it more stable.

So there you go. They might have originated both from the country of Egypt but they are very different from each other. Both were used for burial but the similarities ended there. Leave it to the ancient Egyptians to make their burial places to be as astounding as these structures are.