Compare Mayan Pyramids & Egyptian Pyramids

The Mayan pyramid is truncated so that a temple can be built on the top.The staircases lead from ground level to the temple. The number of staircases that the pyramids had varied, but there were typically two or four.  Many times there would be a platform connecting the steps somewhere near the middle of the pyramid so that the priest-king could stop and do a part of his ritual before continuing to the top.
    
Besides from having religious functions, Mayan pyramids also served other purposes. The pyramids were built so high that their tops could be seen protruding out of the jungle.  Because of this, the Mayan people were able to use them as landmarks. That was not the only significance of building them so high though. They also served as a reminder that the gods were ever present.


Some pyramids even house burial chambers for high ranking officials.  Housed inside these mammoth structures were small burial rooms.  There were narrow corridors that led to these chambers.  These burial chambers often contained treasures such as jade.

*~Mayan Pyramid~*

The Egyptian pyramids are ancient pyramid-shaped masonry structures located in Egypt. This pyramid and its surrounding complex were designed by the architect Imhotep, and are generally considered to be the world's oldest monumental structures constructed of dressed masonry. The shape of Egyptian pyramids is thought to represent the primordial mound from which the Egyptians believed the earth was created. The shape of a pyramid is thought to be representative of the descending rays of the sun, and most pyramids were faced with polished, highly reflective white limestone, in order to give them a brilliant appearance when viewed from a distance. 

*~Egyptian Pyramid~*

In the conclusion, the Mayan pyramids were combined temples and tombs, while the Egyptian pyramids were tombs with temples attached. Both had square bases and four sides, but they look very different. The true Egyptian pyramids are much larger than the Mayan pyramids, and have smooth sides and pointed tips. Originally, they were covered in white limestone and their tips were covered in gold so that they shone in Egypt's strong sunlight. The Maya pyramids are much later in date. They are stepped or tiered, with stairways to allow access to the flat top, which housed ceremonial buildings.