What are the Egyptian pyramids?
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Necropolis of Egypt is where the pyramids – built as royal tombs – are located. The purpose of the pyramids was to serve as the place from which the souls of deceased pharaohs ascended. As far as their structures, the pyramids are advanced forms of the truncated pyramid shapes known as mastaba. The site houses over 38 pyramids, including the three pyramids of Giza, which includes the Great Pyramid of Cheops. The Great Sphinx is also on this site.
In Ancient Egypt, it was thought that the pharaohs would also rule in the afterlife, thus – in addition to the preserved body of the dead monarch – these tombs contained everything a ruler might require, including material goods such as clothing, furniture and food, as well as treasures like gold and jewels.
Where are the Egyptian pyramids?
The Pyramids of Giza, in the site known as the Necropolis of Memphis, are on the western bank of the Nile River, on the Giza plateau. The pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinos are particularly notable.
How tall are the Egyptian pyramids?
Giza’s pyramids vary in size. The Pyramid of Cheops, also known as the Great Pyramid of Giza, is one of Egypt’s most important symbols: It stands 147 meters tall, has a base of 230 meters, and was built with more than two million stone blocks.
The Chephren Pyramid, also known as the Middle Pyramid, is 143 meters tall and has a base of 216 meters. Mykerinos, the smallest pyramid, has a base length of 109 meters and a height of 109 meters.
These three famous pyramids represent three distinct generations; the large pyramid represents the father, the middle pyramid represents the son, and the small pyramid represents the grandson.
How were the Egyptian pyramids built?
There are numerous legends and tall tales around the building of the pyramids, which are an impressive feat of ancient engineering. According to the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, the construction of the Egyptian pyramids took 20 years and employed 100,000 workers.
The Egyptian laborers of the time are said to have played the most important role in the construction of the pyramids – piles of animal bones discovered during archaeological excavations in the region suggest that these workers were fed well to increase their strength. In other words, many scientists agree that the central authority of the time supported and employed a highly organized and skilled group of people in building the pyramids.
History of the Egyptian pyramids
The history of the pyramids of Giza is estimated to date from 3000 BC. The three great pyramids, Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinos, were erected during Egypt’s Old Kingdom period. are part of a complex of important buildings such as palaces and temples.
Mysteries and rumors around the Egyptian pyramids
- According to legend, sunlight entered the burial chamber only twice a year – on the anniversary of the pharoah’s birth and on the anniversary of their ascension to the throne.
- It is said that if dirty water is placed inside the Egyptian pyramids, it can be retrieved after a few days in a completely purified state.
- The pyramids serve as giant sundials.
- When the base circumference of the Cheops Pyramid is divided by two times its height, the number pi, or 3.14, is calculated.
- The stones used in the pyramids weighed up to 20 tons; there’s been wide speculation on how the stones were moved but, in fact, scientists have proposed some feasible theories (see below)
A marvel of engineering from antiquity to today
According to the Anthropology Outreach Office of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, “Egyptians had copper tools such as chisels, drills, and saws that may have been used to cut the relatively soft stone. The hard granite, used for burial chamber walls and some of the exterior casing, would have posed a more difficult problem. Workmen may have used an abrasive powder, such as sand, with the drills and saws. Knowledge of astronomy was necessary to orient the pyramids to the cardinal points, and water-filled trenches probably were used to level the perimeter. A tomb painting of a colossal statue being moved shows how huge stone blocks were moved on sledges over ground first made slippery by liquid. The blocks were then brought up ramps to their positions in the pyramid. Finally, the outer layer of casing stones was finished from the top down and the ramps dismantled as the work was completed.”
Which parts of the Egyptian pyramids are open to visitors?
An entrance fee is required to visit the Necropolis complex, where you can view the pyramids and the Great Sphinx from a distance and explore the open area. An additional ticket is required to for entry into the pyramids of Cheops and Kefren, where visitors can walk through a narrow corridor to the burial chamber.
At the site, do visit the Panoramic View, which offers an iconic view of the three pyramids.
For a closer look at these magnificent, mysterious structures, you can book a flight to Egypt now!
We wish you a pleasant journey!
