The capstone, sometimes known as the "pyramidion," is the apex of the finished pyramid. It was employed to complete the pyramid's appearance by generating a crisp and polished mathematical form. The capstone was usually made of granite or some other hard material. Modern scholars believe that kings ordered the construction of pyramids as memorials and sources of income for the kingdom. They also used the money earned from the sale of excess rock removed during the construction process. The Egyptians believed that new life would be given to deceased loved ones if these bodies were placed inside the pyramid. In this way, the pharaohs hoped to gain eternal life themselves. It is this belief that caused ancient people to build such enormous structures. Each new king wanted to outdo his predecessor and construct a pyramid more magnificent than the last. As you can imagine, this led to many decades, if not centuries, of building projects.