The first smooth-sided pyramid was built about 2600 B.C. It still stands today at Medum. It began as a stepped pyramid, and then the steps were filled in with stone casing to give the build a smooth look, sloping sides. Other pyramids were built during the age called The Old Kingdom. During The Middle Kingdom even more pyramids were constructed in many more cities throughout Egypt. The remains of these pyramids are still very impressive. Each pyramid was constructed to hold the dead body of an Egyptian King. The Egyptians thought that a person's body must be preserved and protected so that the soul could live forever. The Egyptians mummified their dead and hid the mummies in large protective tombs. From about 2700 to 1700 B.C., the bodies of Egyptian kings were buried inside or beneath a pyramid in a secret chamber that was filled with treasures, gold, and all sorts of precious objects. Also funeral ceremonies were performed in temples that were attached to the pyramids. Another Interesting fact is that a queen's pyramid, smaller than the king's, usually rested near the king's.