Pyramids of Giza Facts

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Nov 26, 2024

Advertisement

The Pyramids of Giza, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the World, are truly astounding. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, these monumental structures were built starting around 2550 B.C. Built to stand the test of time, they've already survived an incredible 4,500 years. In fact, their immense size and unique shape make folks wonder just how and why they were constructed in the first place. Their enduring presence offers a captivating glimpse into the ingenuity of ancient civilizations.

Location of the Pyramids

Located on the west bank of the Nile River near Cairo in northern Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza stand majestically on a rocky plateau that provides a solid foundation. It's believed that building the largest pyramid took about 20 years. While we can't say for sure how they managed it, the most accepted theory is that they used a system of ramps that wrapped around the pyramid and rose as it grew taller. Regardless of the exact methods, these structures offer an invaluable window into the lives of the ancient pharaohs.

Advertisement

Three Pyramids

Advertisement

Purpose

Advertisement

History of Plunders

Over the centuries, the three pyramids have unfortunately been targets of theft. Dating back to ancient and medieval times, people have plundered both the exteriors and interiors of these structures. As a result, many of the original items placed within the pyramids are missing, and much of the outer white limestone casing has been stripped away. This removal is why the pyramids no longer reach their original heights. For example, Khufu now stands at 451.4 feet, significantly shorter than its original 481.4 feet. However, you can still spot some of the limestone casing at the very top of Khafre.

Advertisement

Structural Marvel

Each pyramid is a structural marvel, with a core made of yellowish limestone. The passages are lined with lighter-colored limestone, while the burial chambers are lined with granite. The largest pyramid required about 2.3 million stone blocks! These blocks were meticulously arranged so that the sides of the pyramid rise at a precise angle and align with the cardinal points of a compass, with the entryway on the north side. Furthermore, each chamber had a ventilation shaft, which might have served a religious purpose. It's mind-boggling how they achieved such precision without modern tools.

Advertisement

Chambers in the Pyramids

Inside the pyramids, there are multiple chambers. The highest is the King's Chamber, and directly below it is the Queen's Chamber. Connecting these two is the Grand Gallery. An ascending passageway links the Grand Gallery to the main entryway, while a descending passageway connects the subterranean chamber with the entrance. Additionally, some pyramids contained other chambers, depending on the pharaoh's specific instructions and beliefs. These intricate layouts show just how much thought and care went into the design of each pyramid.

Advertisement

Mastabas

Surrounding the pyramids, you'll find a series of mastabas, which are funerary structures arranged in a grid pattern. They were used to bury officials and family members of the pharaohs. Interestingly enough, the mastabas around the Pyramids of Giza aren't limited to the 4th dynasty; some date back to the 5th and 6th dynasties. These tombs often included statuettes and inscriptions on the walls that identified the person buried there. Once the burial was complete, the tombs were sealed with mud. This practice shows the importance of preserving the legacy of not just pharaohs but also their close associates.

Advertisement

Hieroglyphics

Each pyramid, along with surrounding structures, contains hieroglyphics—a form of writing using pictures and symbols developed around 4000 B.C. The signs are divided into categories: alphabetic signs, syllabic signs, word signs, and determinatives. Together, these allowed writers to convey full messages to readers. Because writing in hieroglyphics was time-consuming, an abbreviated form called hieratic was used for daily business. This shows that while hieroglyphics were used for important inscriptions, they had a more practical script for everyday use. It's fascinating how they developed such complex systems of communication.

Advertisement

Great Sphinx

The Great Sphinx stands guard in front of the Pyramid of Khafre. This 66-foot-tall structure is made almost entirely of limestone. It features the body of a lion and the face of a man, complete with a headdress. In ancient Egyptian culture, the sphinx was considered a spiritual guardian, which likely explains why one was erected here. There are traces of red markings on the Great Sphinx, suggesting it was once painted, though that has long since worn off. It's amazing to think about how vibrant it might have looked thousands of years ago.

Advertisement

Tourism and the Pyramids' Future

Today, the Pyramids of Giza are a major tourist attraction. However, heavy tourism, combined with political unrest in the area, has contributed to the decline of these ancient structures. Strict rules are in place for visitors. If you plan to go inside the pyramids, be prepared for a strenuous experience. The interior features narrow walkways and steep stairs, along with high temperatures and poor air circulation. The smell of mold and decay can be quite strong. Preserving the pyramids will require significant effort, and it's uncertain if enough will be done to protect them for future generations.

Advertisement

You May Also Like