The pyramids of Giza, located on the west bank of the Nile River in northern Egypt, are one of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring ancient monuments in the world. Built over 4,500 years ago, these towering structures were erected as tombs for three Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.
The pyramids of Giza were built during the Old Kingdom period, specifically during the 4th dynasty (2613-2494 BCE). The Great Pyramid of Giza, built for Pharaoh Khufu, is the largest and oldest of the three pyramids, and the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing.
The Pyramid of Khafre, built by Khufu’s son, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, built by Khufu’s grandson, are slightly smaller but equally impressive.
10 facts about Egypt Pyramid
Pyramids were built as tombs: The pyramids were built as tombs for pharaohs who were believed to become gods in the afterlife.
The first pyramid was the Pyramid of Djoser: The first pyramid was built during the 3rd dynasty for Pharaoh Djoser.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest: The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest pyramid and the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest structure: The Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest man-made structure in the world for more than 3,800 years until the 160-meter-tall Lincoln Cathedral was completed around 1300 AD.
Pyramid construction reached its pinnacle with the Great Pyramid of Giza: The Great Pyramid of Giza is considered the pinnacle of pyramid construction, built by Khufu, his son Khafre, and his grandson Menkaure.
The Great Pyramid of Giza was aligned to true north very precisely:The Great Pyramid is aligned to true north within one-tenth of a degree.
The Great Pyramid of Giza was built with 2.3 million blocks of stone:Approximately 2.3 million blocks of stone (averaging about 2.5 tons each) had to be cut, transported and assembled to build Khufu’s Great Pyramid.
The Great Pyramid of Giza took 20 years to build:The Great Pyramid of Giza took 20 years to build and required the labor of 100,000 men.
The workers were well fed and given tax breaks: The peasants who worked on the pyramids were given tax breaks and provided with shelter, food, and clothing at the site of construction.
The pyramids were built on the west bank of the Nile: The pyramids were built on the west bank of the Nile, as the site of the setting sun, which was associated with the realm of the dead in Egyptian mythology.
