Which text explains why the ancient Egyptians made elaborate funeral arrangements? Pyramid-building was an important part of ancient Egyptian society. The pharaohs built pyramids to function as their personal tombs. Ancient Egyptians believed in life after death and were very careful about their burial arrangements. The Egyptians buried the dead with various objects they thought would help the dead in their afterlife. Since pyramids were larger than traditional tombs, the kings could store vast amounts of belongings and treasures that would ensure a comfortable afterlife. The Step Pyramid at Saqqara was the first pyramid built. King Djoser appointed Imhotep to design and construct a burial complex that would suit a king. The Great Pyramid of Giza is another example of a major Egyptian pyramid. This pyramid was made of over two million blocks of limestone. Some of these blocks weighed up to 15 tons.