There are various types of pyramids found in America, but they are not as numerous as the pyramids in Egypt. In fact, when it comes to the iconic triangular pyramids, there are no real pyramids in North America, apart from one notable exception.
The most well-known pyramid in America is Monks Mound, located in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site near St. Louis, Missouri. This impressive structure was built by the Mississippian culture around 1000 AD. Monks Mound is the largest pre-Columbian earthwork in the Americas and is often compared to the pyramids of Egypt due to its size. At its base, Monks Mound covers approximately 13.1 acres or 5.3 hectares, which is nearly the same size as the base of the Great Pyramid of Giza. However, it is important to note that Monks Mound has a flat top and lacks the distinct pyramid shape.
Monks Mound served as a ceremonial and social center for the Cahokia civilization, which was one of the most advanced and populous Native American civilizations of its time. The mound was likely used for various purposes, including religious ceremonies, residences for elite individuals, and as a platform for important structures. Its construction required immense labor and organization, as it was built by hand using baskets and digging tools over several generations.
Apart from Monks Mound, there are other types of pyramids found in America, particularly in Central and South America. The most famous examples are the pyramids of the ancient Maya civilization in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras. These pyramids were primarily built as religious and ceremonial structures, serving as temples and places of worship. Some notable Maya pyramids include the Pyramid of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza, the Temple of the Inscriptions at Palenque, and the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan.
In addition to the Maya pyramids, there are also pyramids built by other Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Aztecs and the Toltecs. These pyramids share similarities with the Egyptian pyramids in terms of their shape and structure, featuring stepped sides and flat tops.
Further south in South America, the Inca civilization also constructed impressive pyramids. However, these pyramids, known as huacas, were made of adobe or stone and had a more truncated shape compared to the pyramids of Egypt. One of the most famous Inca pyramids is Huaca Pucllana in Lima, Peru, which was used for religious rituals and as a ceremonial center.
While America does not have as many pyramids as Egypt, there are notable examples of pyramid-like structures throughout the continent. Monks Mound in Cahokia is the largest and most well-known in North America, while the Maya, Aztec, Toltec, and Inca civilizations in Central and South America also built impressive pyramids for various purposes.