structures in the middle of the desert, but were part of vast funerary districts, with temples and other buildings that were the scene of great religious celebrations. Clustered about the three great pyramids are several smaller ones and a large number of mastabas for members of the royal family and high officials.
             The Pyramids of Giza give much information on the beliefs and culture of the ancient Egyptians. These immense monuments testify to the pharaohs' vast social control and also to the fascination of their architects with abstract, perfect geometrical forms, a concern that reappears frequently throughout history. Egyptians built temples to dignify the ritual observances of those in power and to exclude others. But, what did the pyramids represent? They symbolized the institution of the monarchy itself. The king was a living god. As a god he was above every other human being; his power was not given to him, it was an aspect of his divine nature. As a god, he brought life, fertility, order, stability,
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