Which country has the most pyramids?

Ancient civilizations had a thing for building massive pointy tombs. These architectural marvels required incredible engineering, countless workers, and enough stone to make a modern contractor weep. So which modern country can claim the most of these ancient wonders?

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The answer is: Sudan

If you guessed Egypt, don't feel bad – those massive limestone triangles at Giza have earned their spotlight. But Sudan actually takes the pyramid crown, with over 200 pyramids scattered across its ancient Nubian landscape. Egypt comes in second with around 138.

Sudan's pyramids, built in the ancient kingdom of Kush, are younger and more slender than their Egyptian relatives – think supermodel rather than sumo wrestler. They popped up between 2700-2300 years ago, serving as royal tombs for Kushite kings and queens who ruled from the city of Meroe.

While Egypt went big (literally – the Great Pyramid was the world's tallest structure for nearly 4,000 years), Sudan's builders opted for a "quality over quantity" approach. Their pyramids are typically 20-30 meters tall, making them more like pyramid-lites compared to Giza's giants. But what they lack in size, they make up for in style, featuring distinctive steep sides and elaborate burial chambers.

Most of Sudan's pyramids cluster around three sites: El-Kurru, Nuri, and Meroe. They've had a rougher time than their Egyptian cousins – in the 1830s, an Italian treasure hunter literally blew the tops off many of them looking for gold. Talk about a bad houseguest.

Despite having the most pyramids, Sudan's ancient wonders remain relatively unknown. But that might be changing – archaeological tourism is growing, and these overlooked architectural gems are finally getting their moment in the sun. Literally – it's pretty hot out there.