<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><mads xmlns="http://www.loc.gov/mads/" xmlns:mods="http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.loc.gov/mads/
mads.xsd"><authority><topic authority="http://AATesaurus.cultura.gencat.cat/aat/getty_en">stepped pyramids</topic></authority><related type="broader"><topic>pyramids</topic></related><variant type="other"><topic>pyramids, stepped</topic></variant><variant type="other"><topic>step pyramid</topic></variant><variant type="other"><topic>step pyramids</topic></variant><variant type="other"><topic>stepped pyramid</topic></variant> <note xml:lang="en"><![CDATA[ Monumental structures built to resemble true geometric pyramids by erecting rectangular layers of diminishing size, each set back from the one below to form terraced structures rising in stages. Use of the term most often refers to mausolea in ancient Egypt, particularly the Step Pyramid of Djoser; but these structures are also found in Central America, where they were used as platforms for altars or temples, occasionally also covering the burial chamber of a ruler. ]]></note></mads>