Pyramid

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"You know what this desert needs? Giant fuckin' triangles, that's what."

– The Egyptians at some point

A Pyramid is a geometric shape is a polyhedron with a polygonal base and a set of triangles which meet at a point. Numerous ancient cultures around the world have built various pyramidal structures. While some silly people have figured that this was because of insights delivered by aliens, the truth is simply that this is a good solid shape for construction in general and for those with limited technology in particular. Since most of the mass is near ground the structure is stable.

Real Life Pyramids

• Mesopotamia: The Mesopotamians would often build Ziggurats which were seen as the dwelling places of the gods. Unfortunately these were built from mud bricks, which tends to erode in rain and not much is left of them today.
• Egypt: one of the most Iconic pyramids builders, with 118 Pyramids built as tombs for the Pharaohs out of stone. The largest of these Great Pyramid of Giza was 139 meters tall. They came in three styles: True Pyramids (see Giza), Stepped Pyramids (the early ones such as Djoser) and the Bent Pyramid of Sneferu, which changes angles about half way up. Egyptian pyramids used to have fancy, smooth outer shells that were eventually looted by folks from the nearby cities for their own buildings; in fact, the issue of looting was why pharaohs eventually started building tombs in hidden underground complexes.
• Meso-America: The Maya built numerous pyramids such as Chichen Itza. The Aztecs followed their lead. Often these Pyramids were built bit by bit, with generations adding new layers to make an existing pyramid bigger and better. Often had staircases and temples on top.
• Memphis, Tennessee: A Bass Pro Shop

Pyramids in Fantasy

Like with castles, Pyramids have appeared in many fantasy worlds.

• Tomb Kings, of course, have them; same for Mesoamerican Lizardmen. Of note, however, is Black Pyramid of Nagash - a humongous floating structure that gives him an ability to harness and channel Winds of Magic in any way he wants.

Pyramids in Science Fiction

Pyramids often show up in Sci-fi, though typically for architectural reasons. If you are building a huge multi-kilometer tall arcology, a Pyramid is a good shape for it.

Other

Four Sided Dice are Tetrahedron pyramids.