The Pyramids of Giza

One of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world and the only one standing till date. Is it a work of aliens? How sophisticated in technology and knowledge were the ancient Egyptians? Are the pyramids tombs or temples – what was their purpose? Did they hold vast amounts of treasure? All these questions and all the conspiracy theories add to the charm and myster of the iconic symbol of Egypt!

The first stop for any visit to Egypt (But alas! Equated by the tourist crowd, as many a time, the only item on the Egypt tour!), the Pyramids of Giza are guaranteed to amaze you and inspire you with awe and yes, a host of questions!

The Giza Pyramid complex situated outside Cairo, is a set of 3 main pyramids and numerous other smaller pyramids and other structures including the famous Sphinx. The main Pyramids (in order of age) are The Great Pyramid (or the Pyramid of Khufu or Cheops in Greek), the Pyramid of Khafre (son of Pharaoh Khufu) and the Pyramid of Menkaure (Son of Pharaoh Khafre).

Some amazing facts of the Great Pyramid (Pyramid of Khufu)

• • Built nearly 4,500 years ago!
  • Standing 455 ft tall, the Great Pyramid was the tallest structure in the world for nearly 3,800 year. The second Pyramid of Khafre, built on a bedrock base 10 m higher, appears to be taller, but in fact, is smaller by both height and volume
  • Each individual stone in the pyramid at the base weights more than 2 tons!
  • Building accuracy – Phew!

• the four sides of the base have an average error of only 58 millimetres in length
• The base is horizontal and flat to within ±15 mm
• The sides of the square base are closely aligned to the four cardinal compass points (within four minutes of arc) based on true north, not magnetic north, and the finished base was squared to a mean corner error of only 12 seconds of arc.
• The mass of the pyramid is estimated at 5.9 million tonnes!
• It is believed that the the pyramid was built in 20 years, which would mean it involved installing approximately 800 tonnes of stone every day!
• The sides of all three of the Giza pyramids were astronomically oriented to the north-south and east-west within a small fraction of a degree. The arrangement of the pyramids is a representation of the Orion constellation according to the disputed Orion Correlation Theory.

There are various ‘conspiracy’ theories about the sophistication and intent of the builders of these massive monuments; you will find a lot of them on the net! – One which summarises it interestingly is by Graham Hancock – refer:

Graham Hancock: The pyramids of Giza

Going inside the Great Pyramid – the Great Gallery and the King’s Chamber

This is the experience, very few attempt – mostly due to lack of information (or maybe because of the extra fees!). This is an amazing experience – definitely not to be missed. The experience of climbing inside the ancient structure to go to the Great Gallery and the King’s chamber is unforgettable – though impossible if you suffer the tiniest degree of claustrophobia. The elderly and unfit should not attempt the climb, as it is very steep. As you climb up through the Great Gallery, notice how precisely the blocks in the ceiling fit in together.

 

The Pyramid of Khafre

Though smaller than the Great Pyramid, this one may actually steal the show – appearing bigger and with the limestone casing intact on the top, it is the most attractive of the three great pyramids.

The Pyramid of Menkaure

At 62m (originally 66.5m), this pyramid is the smallest of the trio, only about one-tenth the bulk of the Great Pyramid. However, this pyramid had outer casings of red granite (some of the lower portions are still seen) – which may have been an impressive in the ancient days.

The Sphinx

This monument is the most mysterious and beautiful in the Giza complex. Known in Arabic as Abu Al Hol (Father of Terror), this sculpture of a man with the haunches of a lion was dubbed the Sphinx by the ancient Greeks because it resembled their mythical winged monster, who set riddles and killed anyone unable to answer them.

There are many stories associated with this beautiful structure including the mystery about who actually built it (finally concluded as Pharaoh Khafre), the purpose, the mystery of the nose (now missing – who and when brought it down) and the beard (believed to be added later – now in the London Museum) – all make for interesting reading!

 

Boat Museum

An oft ignored part of the Giza complex is the amazing Boat Museum – built just next to the Pyramid of Khufu is Boat Museum, which houses the reconstructed Khufu Ship – intended to help the Pharaoh in his afterlife. Marvel at the oldest, largest and best-preserved vessels –4,500 years old!

Sound and Light show at the Pyramids of Giza

Evening brings about opportunities for sunset pictures with the three great pyramids!

Do not miss the Sound and Light show at the Giza – though it needs modern improvements and not as impressive as the sound and light shows at Karnak and Philae, it is nevertheless a pleasure to learn about the history of this place in this entertaining fashion! A must do!