Final answer:
The pyramids influenced architecture by showcasing monumental design and precision in geometry, leading to lasting architectural innovations and inspiring the construction of large-scale public works combined with spiritual significance.
Step-by-step explanation:
One way the pyramids influenced architecture is by introducing the concept of monumental structures intended to last for eternity, a symbolic representation of power and religious beliefs. The pyramids were constructed with an exceptional level of engineering skill; builders used geometry and measurement to achieve precise alignment and proportions, influencing later architectural designs. The pyramids and their complexes, with features such as causeways, temples, and subsidiary pyramids, not only served as tombs but also as an integral part of religious life, with the Valley Temples being places of worship long after the king's death. This dedication to monumental architecture and the complex’s functionality had a lasting impact on architectural development, inspiring subsequent civilizations to create large-scale public works that combined both practical use and spiritual significance.