Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu, is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids on the Giza plateau in Egypt. It was built c. 2560 BC as a tomb for the Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Khufu.
Its construction required an extraordinary organization of labor, resources, and engineering knowledge. Estimates suggest that a workforce of up to 30 000 skilled laborers, craftsmen, and support staff worked in rotating shifts for a period of roughly 20 years. The stones were quarried locally, transported on sledges, and hoisted into place using a system of ramps and levers that still fascinates scholars today.
The pyramid was originally covered with smooth Tura limestone casing stones that reflected the sun’s light, giving it a brilliant, gleaming appearance. Although most of the casing has been removed over the millennia, the underlying core structure remains remarkably intact, testifying to the precision of ancient Egyptian engineering.
Beyond its architectural marvel, the Great Pyramid served a religious purpose. It was designed to help the pharaoh’s soul ascend to the heavens and join the gods, particularly the sun god Ra. The internal chambers, including the King’s Chamber, the Queen’s Chamber, and the Grand Gallery, were meticulously aligned with celestial bodies, reinforcing the connection between the earthly ruler and the divine cosmos.
The construction methods remain a subject of debate. Traditional theories propose external ramps, while others suggest internal ramps or a combination. Recent studies using muon radiography have revealed hidden voids, sparking new theories about the pyramid's internal structure.
The King's Chamber houses Khufu's sarcophagus, made of red granite, and features air shafts that may have served astronomical or ventilation purposes. The Grand Gallery, a sloping corridor, leads to the chamber and demonstrates precise engineering.
The pyramid is part of the Giza Necropolis, including the Sphinx and smaller pyramids for Khufu's queens and officials. It symbolizes the power of the Old Kingdom and Egyptian beliefs in the afterlife.
Today the pyramid is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited tourist attractions on the planet. Visitors can walk around its base, explore the surrounding complex of temples and smaller pyramids, and marvel at the sheer scale of a structure that has endured for more than 4 500 years. Guided tours and camel rides are popular, though climbing is prohibited to preserve the monument.
For more details, see the Wikipedia article .