Bronze Age hexagonal 'pyramid' not like anything 'found before in the Eurasian steppe'

Archaeologists in Kazakhstan have discovered a 3,800-year-old hexagon-shaped structure that they describe as a “pyramid.” The maze-like structure is not as tall as Egypt’s monuments, but currently stands about 10 feet (3 meters) high and likely served as an elite burial site.

While archaeologists use the term “pyramid” or “step pyramid” to describe it, the Bronze Age monument is unlike the pyramids found in Egypt. Its outer stone walls form a hexagon, the structure’s inner walls look like a maze that leads to a grave at its heart. Parts of it were once covered by an earthen mound, Umitkaliyev added. It’s not clear if there was ever a roof over part of the structure or whether it was entirely open air.