The only one of the 7 wonders of the world that has survived to this day is the Pyramid of Cheops, or the Pyramid of Khufu, as the Egyptians themselves call it, unlike the rest of the world, which uses the Greek pronunciation of the name of the pharaoh.
To fully understand how far from us are those times when the Cheops pyramid was built, one only has to think that for contemporaries of the other six wonders of the world Great Pyramid in Giza, she was so old that they no longer knew the answer to her secret.
Despite the fact that the largest pyramid in the world is more than four thousand years old, it has been quite well preserved to this day. Today, excursions to the Egyptian pyramids can be booked from almost any hotel in Cairo.
History and construction of the Great Pyramid of Cheops
It is believed that a certain Hemion, the pharaoh’s nephew and vizier, and, by extension, also a court architect, was involved in bringing the royal ambitions to life. The Pyramid of Cheops was built around 2540 BC, and its construction began twenty years earlier - somewhere in 2560 BC.
More than two million huge stones needed to build the Great Pyramid of Giza. The largest blocks weighed several tens of tons. For the structure weighing 6.4 million tons, so that it does not sink underground under its own weight, strong rocky soil was chosen. Granite blocks were delivered from a quarry that was located 1000 km away. Scientists still cannot find the answer to the question of how these stones were transported and how the Cheops pyramid was built
The purpose of the tallest pyramid in Ancient Egypt also causes a lot of controversy. According to the most common opinion, this is really the tomb of Cheops (the second pharaoh of the IV dynasty of rulers) and members of his family. But nevertheless, discussions around the mystery of the pyramid do not subside. For example, from the point of view of some astronomers, some kind of observatory was equipped here, since the ventilation ducts and corridors point with amazing accuracy to the stars Sirius, Thuban, and Alnitak. It is also interesting that during the construction of the Cheops pyramid, the coordinates of the Earth’s magnetic poles were also taken into account.
Geometry and description of the pyramid of Khufu
The dimensions of the Cheops pyramid are surprising even modern man. Its base occupies a huge area of 53 thousand square meters, which is equivalent to ten football fields. Other parameters are no less striking: the length of the base is 230 m, the length of the side edge is the same, and the area of the side surface is 85.5 thousand square meters.
Now the height of the Cheops pyramid is 138 meters, but initially it reached 147 meters, which can be compared to a fifty-story skyscraper. The years have left their mark on the safety of the pyramid. Numerous earthquakes over thousands of years collapsed the stone top of the structure, and the smooth stone with which the outer walls were lined crumbled. And yet, the interior of the attraction, despite many robberies and vandals, remained virtually unchanged.
The entrance to the pyramid, located on the north, was originally at a height of almost 16 meters and was sealed with a granite plug. Now tourists get inside through a huge gap made ten meters below, left in 1820 by the Arabs led by Caliph Abdullah al-Mamun, who attempted to find treasures supposedly hidden here.
Inside the Cheops pyramid there are three tombs, located one above the other. The lowest, unfinished underground chamber is located at the base of the rock. Above it are the burial chambers of the queen and pharaoh, to which the rising Great Gallery leads. Those who built the pyramid created a complex system of corridors and shafts, the plan of which is still being studied by scientists. Egyptologists have put forward a whole theory of understanding the afterlife of people of that time. These arguments explain the secret doors and other design features.
For many years now, the Pyramid of Pharaoh Cheops in Giza, like the Great Sphinx, has been in no hurry to reveal all its secrets. For tourists, it remains the most striking attraction of Egypt. It is impossible to fully comprehend the secrets of its corridors, shafts and ventilation ducts. Only one thing is clear: the Great Pyramid is the fruit of a brilliant design idea.
- There are many opinions about when the Cheops pyramid was built and who did it. The most original assumptions are various versions of construction completed long before the Flood by civilizations that did not survive it, as well as hypotheses about alien creators.
- Despite the fact that no one knows the exact time when the Cheops Pyramid was built, in Egypt the date of the start of its construction is officially celebrated - August 23, 2560 BC.
- The latest excavations, carried out at the beginning of the 21st century, indicate that the work of the pyramid builders was hard, but at the same time they were well cared for. They had a high-calorie diet of meat and fish and comfortable sleeping places. Many Egyptologists are of the opinion that they were not even slaves.
- Studying the ideal proportions of the Great Pyramid of Giza, scientists came to the conclusion that already in those days the ancient Egyptians knew very well what the golden ratio was and actively used its principle when creating a drawing.
- There are no decorative paintings or historical inscriptions inside the Cheops pyramid, except for a small portrait in the passage to the queen's chamber. There is not even any evidence that the pyramid even belonged to Pharaoh Khufu.
- For three millennia before 1300, the Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure on the planet, until a taller one was built. Cathedral in Lincoln.
- The heaviest stone block used in the construction of the pyramid weighs 35 tons and is placed above the entrance to the pharaoh's burial chamber.
- Before the Vandal Arab invasion of Egypt, the outer slabs of the Cairo pyramid were so carefully polished that in the light of the moon they emitted a mysterious shimmer, and in the rays of the sun their cladding shone with a soft peach light.
- To explore rooms that are difficult for humans to reach, scientists used a special robot.
- From 6 to 10 thousand tourists visit the pyramids every day, and about 3 million per year.
Useful information for tourists
Currently, in the museum on the south side of the pyramid you can get acquainted with exhibits that were found during excavations and in the pyramid itself. There is an opportunity to see a restored unique cedar boat (the Solar Boat), which was built by the ancient Egyptians. You can also buy souvenirs here. And the next viewing point on the territory will be the Great Sphinx.
In the evenings, a sound and light show is shown in Giza: alternating spotlight illumination of local attractions is accompanied by a fascinating story, including in Russian and English.
Opening hours of the Giza Museum complex
- daily from 8.00 to 17.00;
- in winter – until 16.30;
- during Ramadan - until 15.00.
Ticket prices
- entrance ticket to the Giza zone for foreigners – $8;
- entrance to the Cheops pyramid – $16;
- inspection Solar boat – $7.
For children and students, prices are usually two times lower.
- To visit the Cheops Pyramid, only 300 tickets are sold per day: 150 at 8.00 and 150 at 13.00.
- It is best to go to the pyramids in the morning to grab a ticket and protect yourself from the midday heat.
- The entrance to the pyramid is very low, you will have to walk 100 meters bent over, and it is also very dry, hot and slightly dusty inside. Water is not recommended for people suffering from claustrophobia, diseases of the respiratory tract and heart.
- Photo and video shooting is prohibited inside. As for photographs against the backdrop of the Great Pyramid, it is better not to give your camera into the wrong hands, as there are frequent cases of theft.
- It is better to take a photo of the Cheops pyramid (as well as other pyramids) in the morning or evening, when the sun is not shining too brightly, otherwise the image will turn out flat.
- Climbing the pyramid is strictly prohibited.
- For local residents, tourists are the main and often the only source of income, so you will constantly be offered to buy something. Therefore, think carefully about whether you need certain offers, and in any case, be sure to bargain. Give tips only to those who truly deserve them.
- Be careful: there are a lot of pickpockets around.
How to get to the Cheops pyramid
Address: Egypt, Cairo, El Giza district, El Haram street
Getting there from Cairo:
- By metro (line No. 2) - to Giza station. Then transfer to bus No. 900 or No. 997 and drive along Al-Haram avenue for 15–20 minutes.
- By bus No. 355 and No. 357 from the airport and Heliopolis. It runs every 20 minutes.
- Take a taxi to Al-Haram.
From Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh: by tourist bus or taxi.
I would like to summarize all the information about the most famous Egyptian pyramids collected on LifeGlobe into a single collection. Naturally, here I will describe only the largest pyramids, with links to a separate article about each of them. In detailed topics you will find both their coordinates and more detailed description. There are a total of 118 pyramids in Egypt different shapes, size and height, but we will start, of course, with the three Great Pyramids of Egypt at Giza. It is these structures on the Giza plateau that are included in the list of the seven ancient wonders of the world, although, in addition to Giza, there are many pyramids in other parts of Egypt.
The first number in our review will be the Great Pyramid of Cheops, which is known anywhere in the world. It is she who is the face of the Egyptian pyramids and the largest construction of antiquity, giving rise to many secrets and legends around her. The construction of the pyramid took two whole decades and was completed in 2560 BC. 
With a height of 146.5 meters, it was the largest structure in the world for more than 4 millennia. I have been collecting material about the Great Pyramid for a long time in a separate article; using the link above you can learn more about it. 
The second most important pyramid is the pyramid of Khafre, the son of Cheops. It was built on a 10-meter plateau, so it seems taller than the Cheops pyramid, but it is not. Its height is 136.4 meters, while Cheops is 146.5 meters. 
Not far from the Pyramid of Khafre is the Great Sphinx - a monument carved into the rock. The Sphinx's facial features mirror those of Pharaoh Khafre. 
The third great pyramid is the Pyramid of Mikerinus. It is the smallest of them, and was built the latest. It is only 66 meters in height, and the length of the base is 108.4 meters. 
Despite its small size, it is considered to be the most beautiful of the three pyramids. In addition, the pyramid of Mykerinus marked the end of an era great pyramids. All subsequent buildings were small in size. 
On this Egyptian pyramids do not end, we move from Giza to other parts of Egypt. The step pyramid of Djoser is considered one of the largest in Egypt. It is located in the village of Saqqara, and was built for Pharaoh Djoser by Imhotep himself. It occupies an area of 125 by 115 meters, and its height is 62 meters. This is the first pyramid of Egypt, and also very well preserved. 
The most unusual in shape can be safely called the pyramid in Medum. It is located 100 kilometers south of the capital of Egypt, it was built for Pharaoh Huni, but it was completed by his son Snofru. It originally had 8 steps, but nowadays only the last 3 are visible. After construction, its height was 118 meters, and its area was 146 by 146 meters. 
The Pink Pyramid is unusual in that it has a pink hue due to the special stone used for its construction. This is the third tallest pyramid after Cheops and Khafre, 104.4 meters high. Researchers believe that this pyramid was also built by the already known Pharaoh Snefru. 
Not far from Rozovaya is the Bent Pyramid, built in the 26th century. BC e. It got its name because of its irregular shape. Look for yourself, it was built in 3 stages, at each of which it was given different angles of inclination: 
I have described the largest and most famous Egyptian pyramids, now let's move on to smaller specimens. A later structure is the pyramid of Userkaf at Saqqara, not far from the pyramid of Djoser. It was preserved very poorly, so only initial data can be given: its height is 49.4 meters, length at the base is 73.30 meters. 
Not far from Saqqara, in Abusir, there is a pyramid of the 5th dynasty pharaoh Sahura. All subsequent complexes of the pharaohs of this dynasty were built in the likeness of this pyramid. Unfortunately, this pyramid has survived to this day in rather poor condition. 
Let's finish our review of the most outstanding Egyptian pyramids with the Pyramid of Unis in Saqqara. It is notable for the fact that the very first “Pyramid Texts” were discovered here - ancient hieroglyphs on the walls of the burial chamber. Many scientists are still deciphering these texts. 
Great Seven Wonders of the World - Hanging, Alexandrian lighthouse, statue of Zeus, Colossus of Rhodes, etc. Everyone knows about them. But only one “miracle” of these seven has survived to this day. It's mysterious Egyptian pyramids, which are more than 4,500 years old.
Location and structural features of the Egyptian pyramids:
The pyramids stand on the territory of the ancient cemetery in Giza, which is on the opposite bank from (the modern capital).
Scientists note that during the existence of the Ancient Egyptian kingdom, more than 80 pyramids were built, but only a few have reached us. most of. There are three surviving pyramids in total - these are the pyramids of Cheops, Khafre and Mikerin (they also have Egyptian names - Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure). Only the first of this list formally belongs to the legendary seven. However, they are all mysterious and majestic.
The appearance of these buildings is impressive. They stand out clearly against the background of the blue sky and dark yellow sand. You notice them from afar, before you get close to them. The giant pyramids evoke sacred awe in anyone. They seem like something out of space; it’s hard to believe that man had anything to do with their construction.
The main pyramid is the pyramid of Cheops (Khufu). Each side of the base is 233 m long. The height of the pyramid is 147 m. The area of the pyramid is more than 50 thousand square meters. Its interior spaces occupy a very small volume - no more than 4% of the total area.
Until the mid-19th century, the Cheops pyramid was considered the largest structure on our planet. According to Napoleon's calculations, the stone blocks from the three pyramids of Giza would be enough to encircle the entire wall with a height of three meters and a thickness of 30 centimeters.
All sides are almost symmetrical - such accuracy is surprising. The pyramid consists of 2,500,000 huge blocks, each of which weighs at least two tons, the heaviest block weighs 15 tons. The architect of this pyramid is also known - the Egyptian Hemuin.
Many misunderstandings arise due to the layout of the internal corridors and the so-called “main royal chamber” with the empty sarcophagus of the Cheops pyramid. As is known, a narrow passage - a ventilation duct - leads outside from this room at an angle, and above the chamber there are several empty unloading rooms, built in order to reduce the huge mass of stone. One of the mysteries, for example, is the location of the main room - it is not located along the central axis, as in all tombs, but is tilted to the side.
Pyramid of Khafre(Khefre) is almost as good as the Cheops pyramid. It is slightly smaller - 215 m long and 143 m wide, but due to the fact that it is located on steeper slopes, it appears larger. Khafre, the son of Cheops, is buried there.
Not far from this pyramid is the legendary Great Sphinx, which is also part of the funerary complex. The size of the figure is rather large: its height is 20, and its length is 57 meters. The figure, carved from a single rock, depicts a reclining lion with a human head.
Pyramid of Khufuso has reached our times in good condition compared to other pyramids: it is the only one that has preserved the lime cladding on its top.
Pyramid of Menkaure(Mykerina) is the smallest of the legendary pyramids. It is almost 10 times smaller than the Cheops pyramid. Its height is only 66.4 meters. The pyramid was intended for the grandson of Cheops.
History of the Egyptian pyramids:
The construction of the Egyptian pyramids dates back to the beginning of the Old Kingdom, which is approximately 2800 - 2250 BC. e.
Almost 5 thousand years ago (28 centuries BC), the founder of the III dynasty, Pharaoh Djoser, as soon as he ascended the throne, ordered the construction of his tomb to begin. The construction was entrusted to the architect Imhoten. The innovation that the architect used when building the tomb for Djoser was that he built it in the form of six benches stacked on top of each other. Moreover, each subsequent one was smaller than the previous one. Imhoten created the first step pyramid. Its height was 60 m, length - 120 m, width - 109 m. Unlike previous tombs, the pyramid of Djoser was built not from wood and brick, but from large limestone blocks. This pyramid is considered the ancestor of the great Pyramids.
The first of the great pyramids is the Pyramid of Cheops. It is absolutely impossible to imagine that it was built, according to the manuscripts that have reached us, in just 20 years. Even today, with all the modern technology, it is difficult to build such a huge structure, not to mention the fact that the pyramid was built 4,500 years ago, when no mechanisms were even thought of. Sometimes the opinion is expressed that the pyramids could not have been built by people living in the Bronze Age, and that ... aliens took part in the creation of these colossal structures. But, according to the official scientific version, the construction of the pyramid was the work of ordinary people. The main builders were almost 100,000 slaves.
Millions of blocks were literally chiseled out of the rocks using primitive red copper drills, which quickly became dull from such hard work. When fitting wooden boards under the future slab, they were constantly watered. The tree swelled and tore the stone away from the rock. Then the resulting block was carefully polished, giving it the required shape. One has only to marvel at the impeccable result, because, in fact, the work was carried out with completely primitive tools. Without any measuring instruments, we ended up with a block that was ideal in its proportions and shape. In the vicinity of Aswan, there are still ruins of ancient quarries, on the territory of which many ready-made blocks have been found. As it turned out, this was a waste material that was not used when laying the pyramids.
The processed blocks were transported by boat to the other side of the Nile. Then they were transported along a specially paved road, the construction of which took 10 years and which, according to Herodotus, is only slightly simpler than the construction of the pyramids. The pyramid was built on a bedrock limestone massif, cleared of sand and gravel. Workers pulled them into place using ramps, blocks and levers, and then pushed them towards each other without any solution. The stones of the pyramid are “fitted” so tightly that it is impossible to insert even a knife blade between them. To raise the blocks, the Egyptians built an inclined embankment of brick and stone with an elevation angle of about 15. When the main structure was completed, it resembled a series of steps. As the pyramid was built, the mound was lengthened. It is possible that wooden sleighs were also used, on which the blocks were dragged up by hundreds of slaves. Traces of these carts were found here and there.
When the construction was basically completed, the inclined embankment was leveled, and the surface of the pyramid was covered with facing blocks.
Construction ended in 2580 BC. e. Initially, the height of the pyramid was 150 meters, but over time, due to destruction and advancing sands, it became smaller - by 10 meters today.
There is no doubt that this pyramid was built as a tomb for Pharaoh Cheops. In ancient Egypt, it was customary to build burial structures long before the death of the person for whom it was intended. The Egyptians believed in an afterlife and carefully prepared for it. They believed that in the event of a person's death, his body should be preserved so that the spirit could continue to live after death. They removed the internal organs, filled the body with salts and wrapped it in linen shrouds. So the body turned into a mummy. Jewels were buried with the pharaohs, which, according to the ancients, could be useful to him in another world. In addition, a large number of servants were often buried along with the ruler, who would serve the owner even after death. The pyramids served the pharaohs, according to their religious beliefs, as a ladder along which souls ascended to heaven.
After the construction of the Cheops pyramid, the construction of the Khafre pyramid began. Huge money was invested in these constructions. According to the plan, the third pyramid should have been no less majestic. But Menkaur could not afford to build a large pyramid. The country was devastated by the construction of the pyramids of Khufu and Khafre. Hunger began. The population, exhausted by backbreaking labor, grumbled. But, despite its smaller size, the pyramid of Menkaure still looks incredibly beautiful.
Secrets of the Egyptian pyramids:
There are absolutely fantastic assumptions about the pyramids. For example, that these are not tombs at all, but something like observatories. Astronomer Richard Proctor argues that the descending corridor may have been used to observe the movements of certain stars, and the Grand Gallery, open at the top, was used to map the sky. But still, the official version is that the pyramids were built primarily as tombs.
Since the pharaohs were buried along with various valuable things, there is no doubt that jewelry can be found in them. The search for treasures in the tomb of Cheops does not stop today. There is still a lot of unknowns. That is why ancient pyramids are a favorite place for treasure seekers. For a long time, the main problem was considered to be theft of the pyramids. It seems that this problem existed even in the Old Kingdom, so the tombs were designed on the principle of labyrinths, with secret rooms and doors, baits and traps.
By official version, first entered the pyramid in 820 AD: the Arab caliph Abdullah Al Manum decided to find the treasures of Khufu. Immediately, the treasure hunters were faced with the fact that it was completely impossible to find the entrance to the tomb. After a long search, we decided to dig under the pyramid. They soon found themselves in a passage that led down. This digging continued for several months. People were simply in despair - as soon as they entered a corridor, it immediately ended in a blank wall.
The first room they found was what is now known as the "royal room." From it they were able to find a way out into the space at the junction of two corridors and come to the “large gallery”, which, in turn, led to the “king’s room” - about 11 meters long and 5 meters wide. Here they found only an empty sarcophagus without a lid. There was nothing else in the room.
Several years of work yielded nothing - no treasure was found. It is most likely that the tomb was plundered long before the arrival of Abdullah Al Manum, but the workers said that this was simply impossible, since all the slabs inside the pyramid were untouched, and it was impossible to pass through them. True, in 1638, John Graves discovered a narrow passage in the Great Gallery, which was littered with rubble. It is possible that all the treasures were taken out through this passage. But many scientists doubt this, since the passage is very small and a thin person can barely fit into it.
What happened to Khufu’s mummy and his treasure2 Nobody knows. Various explorations have not revealed any other rooms or passages. However, many still believe that the main rooms and the treasures hidden there have not yet been found.
What are they, Egyptian pyramids?
Perhaps the best known form of late prehistoric art, the pyramids of ancient Egypt are the world's largest funerary structures or tombs. Created from a mastaba tomb, they are one of the most enduring symbols of Egyptian art in general and Egyptian architecture in particular. The ancient Egyptians believed in an eternal afterlife and the purpose of the pyramids was to protect the pharaoh's body and all the things he would need after death to ease his transition to the afterlife. Thus, each pyramid typically contained a variety of Egyptian sculptures, paintings, jewelry, and other forms of ancient art necessary to support the deceased in his afterlife. To date, approximately 140 pyramids have been discovered in Egypt, most of which were built as tombs for the country's pharaohs and their consorts during the Old and Middle Kingdom periods (2650-1650). The oldest known Egyptian pyramids are at Saqqara, near Memphis, south of the Nile Delta. The earliest of them is Pyramid of Djoser(built around 2630 at Saqqara), which was designed during the Third Dynasty by the famous architect Imhotep (active c. 2600-2610 BC). The highest was Great Pyramid of Giza(c. 2565), which Antipater of Sidon called one of the seven wonders of the world and is currently the only survivor of the "wonders". Exactly how many paid workers were required to cut, transport and erect the stone megaliths from which each pyramid was built is unknown, although estimates range from 30,000 to 300,000. However, the enormous resources required to create such colossal works of ancient architecture show how rich and well-organized Egyptian society was in the third millennium BC.
How did Egyptian architecture develop before the pyramids were built?
The architectural design of the pyramids was a reflection of both politics and religious customs. Before 3000 BC Ancient Egypt were actually two countries with two burial traditions. In Lower Egypt (in the north), the country was wet and flat, and the dead were buried under their family home, which was usually built on high ground. In Upper Egypt (in the south), the dead were buried far from settlements, in dry sand on the edge of the desert. The mound was usually erected over the grave. As housing and burial sites became closer, between 3000 and 2700 it was common for nobles to be buried in a simple tomb called a mastaba. It was a simple tomb consisting of a rectangular, flat-roofed structure made of clay bricks with slightly sloping walls, within which a deep burial chamber lined with stone or brick was dug into the ground. After some time, the flat roof of the above-ground building was replaced by a pyramidal structure. Finally, the idea came - conceived by Imhotep - to stack mastabas one on top of the other, forming a series of "steps" that decreased in size towards the top, thereby creating the familiar step pyramid design. Not all pyramid projects were successful. The architects hired by King Snefru built three pyramids: the first one, pyramid at Meidum, collapsed in antiquity; second, curved pyramid, had a radically changed angle in the middle of its design; only the third red pyramid turned out to be successful.
What is the history of the Egyptian pyramids?
The next phase of construction, which occurred in the subsequent era of Egyptian New Kingdom architecture (1550-1069), focused on the construction of temples. Egyptian pharaohs were no longer buried in pyramids, but in mortuary temples located in the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile opposite Thebes. A revival of pyramid building occurred in the subsequent period of Late Egyptian architecture (c.664-30 BC). During the Napatan era in neighboring Sudan (c. 700-661 BC), a number of pyramids were built under the influence of Egyptian architects. Later, during the Sudanese Kingdom of Meroe (c. 300 BC – 300 AD), more than two hundred pyramidal funerary structures were built. For more information about the Hellenistic period (323-27 BC), see: Greek art. For information on construction methods in ancient Rome, please see: Roman Architecture (c. 400 BC – 400 AD).
What were the main characteristics of the pyramid?
Early pyramids were built differently from later ones. For example, the monumental pyramids of the Old Kingdom were built from stone blocks, while the pyramids of the late Middle Kingdom were smaller and typically made of clay bricks faced with limestone. Early structures usually had a core of local limestone covered with an outer layer of limestone best quality or sometimes granite. Granite was also traditionally used for the royal halls inside the pyramid. Up to 2.5 million limestone blocks and up to 50 thousand granite blocks could be used to build one pyramid. Average weight can be up to 2.5 tons per block, with some very large megaliths weighing up to 200 tons. The capstone at the top of the structure was usually made of basalt or granite and, if covered with gold, silver or electrum (a mixture of both), can blind observers with its reflection of the sun. Based on excavations of a number of workers' cemeteries discovered in the early 1990s, archaeologists now believe that the pyramids were built by tens of thousands of indentured laborers and artisans who were housed in huge camps nearby.
Deep inside each pyramid was the main chamber, which contained the mummified body of the dead pharaoh, placed in a precious sarcophagus. In addition, as noted, a huge number of artifacts were buried with him to support him in the afterlife, as well as monuments to the dead man himself: for example, inside Pyramids of Khafre there were over 52 life-size statues. In addition, dummy passages were dug to prevent subsequent desecration of the tomb and theft of valuables.
All Egyptian pyramids were built on the west bank of the Nile, where the sun sets, in accordance with official religious doctrine concerning the kingdom of the dead. (The pharaoh's soul supposedly united with the sun during its descent before continuing its eternal journey with it). Most of the pyramids were faced with polished white limestone (much of which has now been stolen) to give them a shiny, reflective appearance from a distance. Bent Pyramid in Dahshur, one of the few that still retains part of its original limestone covering. They were located relatively close to the Nile, which made it easier to transport stone from the quarries near Heliopolis along the river.
Pharaohs—along with their architects, engineers, and construction supervisor—usually began building their own pyramid as soon as they ascended the throne. The two main factors that determined the pyramid's location during the Old Kingdom included its orientation to the western horizon (where the sun set) and its proximity to Memphis, the country's key city in the third millennium.
The most famous Egyptian pyramids
Pyramid of Djoser (c. 2630) (Saqqara)
Built in the necropolis of Saqqara, northwest of the city of Memphis, it is the centerpiece huge complex, bordered on all sides by a 33-foot wall of light Tura limestone. Noted as the first monumental structure made of stone and the most famous "step" pyramid of Egypt, its original height was approximately 203 feet (62 meters). It was faced with polished white limestone.
Bent Pyramid (c. 2600) (Dahshur)
This distinctive structure, called the curved, blunted or diamond-shaped pyramid and formerly also known as the southern shining pyramid, is located in the royal necropolis of Dahshur, south of Cairo. Approximately 320 feet (98 meters) high, next to the second pyramid erected by ruler Snefru. A sort of hybrid of flexible pyramids with stepped and smooth sides, the only one whose original facing of polished limestone remained intact.
Red Pyramid (c.2600) (Dahshur)
Named after the red-colored stone, at 341 feet tall, it is the largest of the three important pyramids at the Dahshur necropolis and the third largest after those at Khufu and Khafre at Giza. Experts also consider it the world's first "true" smooth pyramid. Ironically, it was not always red because - like almost all pyramids - it was originally lined with white Tura limestone. This was the third pyramid built by Pharaoh Snefru and took between 10 and 17 years to complete.
Pyramid of Khufu/Cheops (c. 2565) (Giza)
Built by Pharaoh Khufu, son of Pharaoh Snefru, the Pyramid of Khufu (Greek: Cheops) is known as the Great Pyramid of Giza. This is the oldest and largest of the three tombs in the Giza necropolis. Approximately 4,806 feet (146 meters) tall, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world for nearly four millennia. According to the eminent Egyptologist Sir Flinders Petrie, it was built from approximately 2,400,000 limestone blocks, weighing 2.5 tons each. Its construction took about 20 years. Most of the rough interior blocks were quarried locally, but the granite for the pharaoh's chambers came from quarries in Aswan, about 500 miles from Giza. In addition to approximately 6 million tons of limestone, 8,000 tons of granite and approximately 500,000 tons of mortar were used for Khufu's pyramid.
Pyramid of Djedefre (c.2555) (Abu Rawash)
Now in ruins, largely (it is believed) because it was dismantled by Roman builders who wanted to use the stone for their own building projects elsewhere in Egypt, this pyramid at Abu Rawash was built by Djedefre, son of Pharaoh Khufu. It is the northernmost pyramid of Egypt and is believed to have been similar in size to the Pyramid of Menkaure at Giza, although some evidence suggests that it may have been the tallest of all the pyramids. Originally known as the "Starry Sky of Djedefre", according to Egyptologists, its outer layer of polished granite and limestone made it one of the most beautiful pyramids.
Pyramid of Khafre (c. 2545) (Giza)
Rising to 448 feet, this pyramid, also called Shefren's Pyramid, is the second largest structure in the Giza necropolis, and because it sits on a slightly raised stone base, it appears as if it is taller than the Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops). Also made from blocks of Tura limestone, the largest of which weighed an estimated 400 tons, its outer shell was dismantled during Egyptian New Kingdom architecture by Ramesses II to provide stone for the construction of the temple at Heliopolis. To the east of the pyramid there is a regular burial temple with adjustable entrance hall, a columned courtyard, five rooms for the statue of the pharaoh, five storage chambers and an inner sanctuary.
Pyramid of Menkaure (c. 2520) (Giza)
This is the third and last of famous pyramids in Giza, located southwest of Cairo. The smallest of the three, its original height was approximately 215 feet (65.5 meters) and, like the others, it is made of limestone and granite. It served as the tomb of Pharaoh Menkaure, who, according to ancient historians such as Herodotus, was a kind and enlightened ruler. Inside the pyramid, archaeologists discovered a large number of stone sculptures depicting the pharaoh in the traditional style of Egyptian naturalism, as well as a magnificent basalt sarcophagus that may have contained the remains of Menkaure. Unfortunately, the ship carrying him to England sank off the island of Malta.
Construction: how were the pyramids built?
Egyptologists remain undecided as to the exact construction method used to create the pyramids. In particular, experts disagree on the method by which the stones were transported and laid (rollers, different types of ramps, or a lever system), as well as the type of labor used (slaves or paid workers, and if they were paid, they were given a salary or tax credit). Whatever the exact method of construction, the results were extraordinary. For example, the Great Pyramid of Giza was built with extremely precise dimensions—a piece of paper barely fits between the stones—and aligned to within a fraction of an inch across its entire 13-acre base. Latest methods construction and laser leveling methods could hardly be better. One of the reasons why the Egyptian pyramids are such an amazing example of megalithic art, and why they are among the greatest works in art history.
The 10-year obsession of the French architect made it possible to identify a new, most realistic (truthful) theory for the construction of the Cheops pyramid. In the 2013 film, he shows how the external ramp was built, along which the blocks were raised, and proves its existence on the site. This is one of the best pyramid building movies on Youtube.
How to move heavy stone blocks?
One of the main difficulties that the early pyramid builders faced was how to move the huge quantities of heavy stone blocks. It appears that this issue was resolved using methods that included the following elements. To begin with, the stone blocks were oiled to facilitate movement. Additionally, based on excavated artifacts from certain temples, it appears that the builders used a cradle-like machine to help roll the stones. This technique was validated in tests conducted by the Obayashi Corporation using 2.5 ton concrete blocks, which proved that 18 people could pull a block up a 1/4 (height to length) incline at a speed of approximately 60 feet. minute. However, this method does not work for heavier blocks in the 15-80 ton weight range. Greek architecture borrowed heavily from Egyptian building techniques.
What equipment was used to build the pyramids?
In 1997, experts joined forces to conduct a pyramid-building experiment for a television program. In three weeks, they built a pyramid 20 feet high and 30 feet wide, using 186 stones, each weighing approximately 2.2 tons. The project required the use of 44 people using iron hammers, chisels and levers. Note: Experiments done with copper tools showed that they were a viable alternative to iron tools, but would require about 20 extra people to keep them sharp. In addition to the hardware tools, a forklift was used, but no other modern equipment was permitted. Levers were used to turn and roll stones weighing up to 1 ton, while large stones were hauled using wooden sleds by a crew of 12 to 20 men.
How many workers were used to build the Egyptian pyramids?
Consultants Daniel, Mann, Johnson & Mendenhall, in collaboration with Egyptologists, estimate that the Great Pyramid of Giza was built using an average workforce of approximately 14,500 people - sometimes reaching a peak workforce of 40,000 - in about ten years without using iron tools, pulleys or wheels. They calculated that such a workforce could support a work rate of 180 blocks per hour in a 10-hour workday: calculations based on data taken from modern construction projects completed in the Third World, without modern equipment.
One of the outstanding mysteries of humanity are the pyramids. Engineers are still amazed by the scope and complexity of the work, and historians cannot understand what exactly prompted the ancient peoples to build these structures. There is also still debate about the true purpose of these monuments of ancient architecture. Some believe that the structures of Yucatan and Egypt are related, but this is not so. This is indicated by both the age of the pyramids and the aspects of their construction.
Egypt
The Great Pyramid, located on the Giza plateau in Egypt, has long captured the imagination of all researchers and ordinary tourists. In general, the same can be said about her “sisters”. Despite the seismic activity of the construction site and the past thousands of years, these amazing and bizarre monuments ancient culture surprisingly well preserved.
Scientists suggest that in the past there were many more pyramids, but... But then the Romans came. The first rule of Rome is more good roads! After all, it’s so convenient to transfer new legions along them! So a considerable part of the “medium-sized” pyramids turned into material for Roman road builders. Today tourists and local residents who still use ancient roads, “knead” the remains of ancient structures with their feet!
The first of the pyramids and its age
It is impossible to discuss without talking about the time when the first such structure was erected in Egypt. It is believed that this happened about five thousand years ago, and construction began on the initiative of Pharaoh Djoser. It is in these five thousand years that the total age of the pyramids in Egypt is estimated. By the way, the famous Imhotep supervised the construction. He was such a good “contractor” that in later centuries, grateful Egyptians even deified him.
Caring for relatives
At that time, the area of the building was huge - 545 by 278 meters. The perimeter of this structure was protected by a wall ten meters high, in which 14 gates were made at once... of which only one was real. In addition to himself, Djoser ordered to take care of the afterlife of his family members: for this, the builders prepared 11 additional smaller burial chambers.
The Pyramid of Djoser is not only considered the oldest in Egypt, but also the most unique, since its sides represent a “staircase”, which can be seen on structures in the center of Yucatan. There is no need to look for mystical coincidences here, since in both cases such a design had a sacred meaning, implying the ruler’s ascension to heaven.
How old are the structures on the Giza Plateau?
It is believed that the age of the Egyptian pyramids on the Giza plateau is 4.5 thousand years. But difficulties arise with the dating of many structures, since they were partially rebuilt and restored, and therefore even radiocarbon analysis cannot give absolutely accurate answers. The remaining pyramids were presumably built during the Old Kingdom - around 2300 BC. e.
To this day, 80 pyramids have survived in Egypt, and the most beautiful are those that remained after the fourth dynasty. But since ancient times, only three have been considered real Wonders of the World. Their names are known to everyone - the pyramid of Cheops, Khafre and Mikerin. The age of the Cheops pyramid and the other two is about four thousand years, which cannot but surprise.
Pyramids of Mexico
The Mexican pyramids are an equally impressive and majestic monument to human architecture and incredibly hard work. To this day they amaze everyone who sees them, and even at the time of their first discovery the impression was tenfold greater!
They were erected by the Aztecs, Toltecs, Mayans and some other South American peoples. It is sometimes very difficult for scientists to understand all this “vinaigrette”, since almost all written sources of these cultures were destroyed during the Spanish conquest. But what about the age of the pyramids that were built by the ancestors of modern residents? Latin America? First you need to familiarize yourself a little with the history of the peoples who lived here.
The Cuicuilco civilization flourished most brightly here. The peak of its maximum power occurs from 1500 to 200 BC. Why are we all saying this? The fact is that the largest and most impressive pyramid of Cuicuilco was built precisely at this time ( South part Mexico City). Moreover, this structure is unique, since its cross-section is... round, perfectly fitting into the surrounding landscape.
How did the Pyramid of Cuicuilco end up forgotten?
But scientists did not find it right away. When the massive eruption of the Shitle volcano occurred at the beginning of our era, this unique one was completely buried under a layer of ash, lava and tuff. Only in 1917, during archaeological research, scientists discovered this pyramid completely by accident.
The eruption of the same volcano put an end to the development of civilization in this region, and therefore no other magnificent architectural monuments were found here. If we talk about modern ideas, the inhabitants who left these places became the “foundation” of the people of Teotihuacan, who also built their pyramids.
Pyramids of other nations
The civilization of Teotihuacan dates back to 200 BC. The same approximate age of the pyramids in that region. This people existed until 700 AD. The place they chose for themselves is today known throughout the world. Teotihuacan. By the way, this name was given by the Aztecs, who came here a thousand years later. Today we do not know what this area was originally called. So when were the majestic pyramids erected here, which still amaze the imagination today?
Today it is not entirely clear who exactly built them: either the Teotihuacan people themselves, or the Aztecs who came to take their place. The latter had a legend that the three great pyramids were actually built by giants. So, three buildings. Three pyramids: Solar, Lunar and Quetzalcoatl. The latter, by the way, is the most beautiful and majestic. It is believed that they were built somewhere around 500 BC. e.
Why was the city abandoned?
So the age of the pyramids at Giza is much older. Most likely, initially there were much more ancient architectural monuments in these parts, but the whole thing was ruined by volcanoes. A lot of interesting things are probably hidden under a thick layer of solidified lava, but it is unlikely that we will ever see it. The ongoing excavations clearly indicate that the construction of the city was carried out according to a very strict and logically completed plan. Scientists suggest that around 200 thousand people lived in the city! And this is even before the beginning of our era!
The destruction of the city and part of the pyramids today is “blamed” on both some natural disasters and a social split, when numerous poor people were simply tired of enduring the ever-increasing tyranny on the part of the highest nobility. The city of Teotihuacan was barbarically plundered and destroyed. But both hypotheses are very controversial, since no evidence of violence was found, and as for the looting, anyone could have done it. If the city was abandoned for some reason, then neighboring nations can also be blamed. They obviously wouldn’t pass by such a “tidbit” piece.
How are Egyptian and Mexican pyramids different?
Many believe that they are almost identical, and due to this they put forward various (in terms of the degree of absurdity) theories about the Atlanteans and “heavenly descendants” who fled from the cataclysm, but this is not so. The pyramids of Egypt and Mexico are similar only in appearance (and even then relatively), but in everything else they have a lot of differences.
Firstly, in Egypt these buildings were absolutely smooth, while the Aztecs, Toltecs and Mayans originally built them in steps. Secondly, the pharaohs considered the pyramids solely as a place of rest from earthly worries, and in Mexico the pyramids were used exclusively as temples, and even carried out very bloody rituals of sacrifice there.
Other differences
Thirdly, the tops of the structures in South America- completely flat, since it was there that the priests did their bloody work. Moreover, there is also an additional building there, which actually served as a temple and a “slaughterhouse” part-time. In principle, you can also climb to the top of the Egyptian pyramid, but it is impossible to do anything there due to the banal lack of space.
Fourthly, the age of the Mayan and Egyptian pyramids. In Mexico, almost all of these buildings were erected literally at the beginning of our era, while the tombs of the pharaohs were built three to four thousand years BC.
Fans of conspiracy theories may argue that all this is nothing, because the main characteristic of these structures, that is, the pyramidal shape, is the same in all cases. But this is not an argument, since similar forms are found in nature, and a gap of several thousand years fully suggests that the Toltecs or Mayans themselves reached the most convenient form for their temples.
How is the age of the pyramids determined?
So what about the science of the Egyptian pyramids and their Mexican “relatives”? Based on radiocarbon dating, which began to be actively used only in 1984. At that time, Egyptologists examined at least 64 samples of organic matter from the pyramids. Measurements have shown that many of the structures on the Giza Plateau are 400 years older than previously thought. However, some of them were “only” 120 years older, but in some cases this may also be significant.
After this, the Giza pyramids, whose age turned out to be noticeably older than the “official” values, began to attract even more researchers from all over the world. However, this circumstance did not cool the heated debate about the nature of these structures.
Thus, it was reliably established that the Cheops pyramid was built no earlier than 2985 BC. e. This is five centuries more than previously thought! However, this is already enough to refute the version about “the Atlanteans who built these structures tens of thousands of years BC.” The age of the pyramids of the pharaohs turned out to be much more modest. It should be noted that he even posed several new questions to the researchers.
Thus, it is already known for sure that the Pyramid of Khafre was erected somewhere around 2960. This gives logical grounds to assume that its construction was carried out almost simultaneously with Cheops. It is also possible that it was a separate complex of two structures, the construction of which could have been carried out by the same pharaoh. It would be quite normal to assume that it was built somewhere in the next 50 years...
But radiocarbon dating showed that it was built no earlier than 2572 BC. e. This one is almost 400 years later than the expected date! Moreover, in 1984, scientists established that the famous Sphinx was built in 2416 BC. e. Simply put, a full five centuries after the pyramid of Khafre! But historians have long assumed that these two objects were built together...
The age of the Mayan pyramids was determined similarly. Moreover, in this case there were practically no problems, since the cities of these people were abandoned, no one was involved in completion or restoration, and therefore the result of radiocarbon analysis was much more accurate.
