The pyramids built by Snefru, his son Khufu and his son Khafre are the last resting place of the Old Kingdom dynasties. Architecturally, pyramids split into two types: the step pyramid and the true pyramid.

The early step pyramids, such as the 3rd dynasty Djoser complex built by the master architect Imhotep at Saqqara, evolved from mastaba tombs. By the early 4th dynasty, they had been smoothed over: the Red Pyramid at Dahshur is the first true pyramid.

They also grew to colossal proportions and evolved into full funerary complexes with mortuary and valley temples, a causeway between the two, and smaller subsidiary pyramids. The largest and best examples are the Pyramids of Giza, built by Khufu in the 4th dynasty.