Amaze Your Friends with 12 Fascinating Facts about the Giza Pyramid
The pyramids of Egypt are captivating and enigmatic structures that have piqued human curiosity for centuries. These ancient marvels of Egypt continue to baffle even the most learned scientists and historians. Here are some intriguing facts that offer a glimpse into the wealth of knowledge about these extraordinary pyramids.
1- Constructed around 2550 BCE, the oldest and largest pyramid at Giza, known as the Great Pyramid, was commissioned by Pharaoh Khufu. His son, Pharaoh Khafre, built the next largest pyramid, while the smallest was erected by Khafre’s son, Pharaoh Menkaure.
2- The sizes of the pyramids were influenced by the economy rather than status. As the government’s expenditure on grand structures escalated, fewer resources were available for pyramid construction. Consequently, Menkaure’s son, Pharaoh Shepseskaf, could not afford to build a pyramid for himself.
3- Although the exact construction methods of the pyramids remain a mystery, it is now understood that skilled Egyptian workers, who lived in a nearby community and were compensated for their labor, built them.
4- During the construction period, Giza was a thriving community with temples, shops, markets, and housing, contrasting with its current solitary appearance.
5- Experts concur that the pyramids were constructed using massive stone blocks extracted from quarries with copper tools, each weighing between 2.5 to 15 tons.
6- The pyramids were originally covered with smooth white limestone casing stones that gleamed in the sunlight, reportedly visible from the hills of Israel.
7- The pyramids align with true north. The absence of a North Star at the time leaves the precision of this alignment a puzzle.
8- The Great Pyramid held the record as the tallest human-made structure for 3,871 years until the Lincoln Cathedral’s central tower in England was completed in 1311 CE. The pyramid stands at 146 meters (479 feet), while the tower reaches 160 meters (525 feet).
9- Khaemweset, the son of Rameses II, is considered the first Egyptologist. By the New Kingdom (1570-1069 BCE), Giza had been abandoned, and the pyramids had suffered damage and looting. Khaemweset dedicated his life to studying, restoring, and preserving Giza, efforts that continued until the Roman conquest.
10- In 1798, Napoleon’s expedition to Egypt included 400 ships, an army of 54,000, and a team of scholars and scientists. Their work culminated in the 1809 publication of Description de l’Égypte, a comprehensive history that ignited Europe’s fascination with Ancient Egypt.
11- Despite the intense heat at Giza, the temperature inside the pyramids remains relatively stable, averaging around 20 Celsius (60 F).
12- The latest enigma of the pyramids is a large, inaccessible cavity discovered in the Great Pyramid. Detected by an international team using muography, a technology that identifies density changes within large rock structures, its purpose remains unknown, adding another layer of intrigue for experts to ponder.
The Pyramids of Giza are among the most significant wonders of the world, attracting countless visitors eager to experience their magnificence. For more information or to arrange a tour, check here.
Written by ATW Updated July 2024
