Pyramids of Giza

Over hundred pyramids have been discovered in Egypt. Egypt's pharaohs expected to become gods in the afterlife. To prepare for the next world they erected temples to the gods and massive pyramid tombs for themselves, filled with all the things each ruler would need to guide and sustain himself in the next world.

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Pyramids of Giza was built during the Old Kingdom of Egypt, to last an eternity. Almost 4500 years later, well they are pretty much intact, towering over the rocky plateau on the west bank of the Nile River. Giza Plateau pyramid complex is a popular tourist destination for a long time.

The Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza was the tomb built for the Pharaoh King Khufu, of the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. The King Khufu was the second king of the fourth dynasty. This is the largest pyramid of the three, measuring around 230m (755.6 feet) a side at the base. Initial height was 147m(481.4 feet), and was the tallest man made structure for over 3800 year, until the Lincoln Cathedral was constructed in England in 1311.

The Great Pyramid was built over a period of about 27 years, with around 2.3 million blocks weighing over 6 million tonnes. Block heights and weights progressively lowered as you move up to the top. Most of the limestone blocks were quarried at Giza. Granite stones were quarried from Aswan and transported by boats on the Nile river. The Pyramid was cased with white limestone. Thousands of conscript labourers are believed to have worked in the pyramids

The Great Pyramid consists of three main chambers, The King's chamber, the Queen's chamber, and the Subterranean chamber.

The Great Pyramid is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one still exists.

Other Pyramids

The Middle Pyramid, the second largest in Giza was built for King Khafre, the 4th King of the 4th Dynasty during old Kingdom. It measures 216m(707.75 feet) on each side and was 143m (471 feet) high. It appears larger than the Great Pyramid because of its elevated location.

Part of the original polished limestone can still be seen near the apex.

The southmost pyramid was built for King Menkaure, the fifth king of the 4th Dynasty of Old Kingdom. Each side measures 109m (356.5 feet) at the base and 66m(218feet) tall. There are three small pyramids associated with this pyramid, believed to be built for the queens of the king.

Great Sphinx of Giza

Sphinx is a mythical creature with a head of a human and a body of a lion. Statues of Sphinx can be seen in many places in Egypt. The Great Sphinx of Giza is a reclining sphinx statue made of limestone.

It is 20m(66feet) tall and 73m(240 feet) long from paw to tail and 19m(62feet) wide. Great Sphinx of Giza is believed to be built during the reign of King Khafre of Old Kingdom.

The nose of the Sphinx is broken and it is believed that cannonballs fired by Napoleon Bonapart's army back in 1798 was the cause.