The Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza, built to stand the test of eternity, have succeeded spectacularly. These monumental tombs are enduring relics of Egypt’s Old Kingdom, constructed over 4,500 years ago.

Egyptian pharaohs envisioned themselves as gods in the afterlife. To prepare for their divine journey, they built temples for worship and massive pyramid tombs filled with treasures and items they believed were essential to guide and sustain them in the next world.

The Giza complex comprises more than just the pyramids. Each pyramid is part of a larger site featuring palaces, temples, solar boat pits, and other structures. Here’s what you need to know about their builders, the construction process, and the treasures unearthed inside.

Who Built the Pyramids of Giza?
Pharaoh Khufu was the first king to commission a pyramid at Giza around 2550 B.C. His Great Pyramid is the largest, originally towering 481 feet (147 meters) above the plateau. Though its height has diminished slightly due to the loss of its smooth casing stones, it remains an engineering marvel. The pyramid comprises an estimated 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing between 2.5 and 15 tons.

Khufu’s son, Pharaoh Khafre, followed suit around 2520 B.C., constructing the second pyramid. His necropolis stands out due to the iconic Great Sphinx, a limestone monument with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh. The Sphinx, which lay buried in the sand for millennia, remains a mysterious sentinel for Khafre’s tomb complex, though its exact origins are still debated.

The third and smallest pyramid was built around 2490 B.C. by Pharaoh Menkaure, Khafre’s son. At about 218 feet tall, it includes an intricate complex of temples and three smaller queens’ pyramids. Menkaure’s burial chambers feature unique niche decorations and a vaulted ceiling, showcasing advanced craftsmanship. Sadly, his elaborate sarcophagus was lost at sea near Gibraltar in 1838.

How Were the Pyramids Built?
The construction of the pyramids remains a marvel of ancient engineering, and even modern experts are not entirely certain how it was achieved. However, archaeological evidence sheds light on the workforce and logistics behind the project.

The builders were skilled Egyptian laborers who lived in a temporary city near the site, spanning 17 acres. Excavations have revealed bakeries, large supplies of animal bones, and other evidence showing they were well-fed and well-organized. These workers formed part of a highly resourceful community, supported by a centralized authority.

Materials were transported via the Nile River and a network of canals. Granite from Aswan, copper tools from Sinai, and timber from Lebanon were shipped to the Giza Plateau. Farmers along the Nile Delta contributed cattle, food, and other essentials, making the construction a national effort symbolizing the wealth and power of the pharaohs.

Scientists believe the massive stone blocks were moved using ramps, sledges, ropes, and levers. Some theories propose that ramps zig-zagged or spiraled around the pyramids, while others suggest the use of internal ramps.

Visit the Pyramids of Giza
Address: Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Located on the outskirts of Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza are easily accessible and offer visitors an unparalleled journey into Egypt’s ancient past. Explore these magnificent structures and experience firsthand the ingenuity and ambition of one of the world’s greatest civilizations.

For more information and tips on visiting, check out our guide to the Pyramids of Giza!