The Pyramids of Giza

The most famous Egyptian pyramids to be built are the Great Pyramids of Giza, located in the outskirts of present-day Cairo. There are over 100 Egyptian pyramids of various sizes, and over 50 more in neighboring Sudan. However, the three Great Pyramids of Giza earn their fame by being the largest of these.

In the most popular pictures of the Pyramids of Giza, like the one shown below, the middle pyramid, that of Khafre (Chephren), appears larger due to the angle and because it was built on higher ground. The largest pyramid is actually the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), the one on the left.

The Great Pyramid of Khufu

Contrary to popular belief, not all the Great Pyramids of Giza are considered part of the Seven Wonders of the World. Only the largest, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, is a member, and is the only one of the Seven Wonders that still stands. Egypt was also home to another of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, which was destroyed long ago.

The Pyramid of Khufu has a height of 145 m (475 ft) and a base area of 52,400 sqm (562,500 sqft). That area is large enough to fit over 20 Olympic-size swimming pools! And for thousands of years, until the rise of modern-day skyscrapers, the pyramid was the tallest building in the world.

What makes the pyramid an architectural triumph and one of the Seven Wonders of the World is the fact that the rocks used in its construction each way more than 2 tons. And there are more than 2 million of those rocks.

Greek travelers to ancient Giza wrote that it took a hundred thousand slaves 20 years to construct the pyramid. However, since they visited Egypt more than 2 thousand years after the Egyptian pyramids were built, the truth of their accounts are suspect. Modern engineers estimate that it would likely take less people and less time to build the pyramid using technology that was available at that time.

Treasures of the Pharaoh

The Pyramid of Khufu was built by the Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops) in the 4th Dynasty circa 2560 BC, making it over 4500 years old! It is widely accepted that the pyramid was built to bury Pharaoh Khufu when he died. However, many other conspiracy theories abound as to why the pyramids were built, ranging from astronomical observatories to alien artifacts.

Since Egyptian Pharaohs were noted for being buried with their great treasure, Arab conquerors attempted to gain entrance into the Pyramid of Khufu in order to plunder it.

They managed to find a few narrow passages that led both up into the center of the pyramid, and down beneath the massive structure. However, all they managed to find at the end of these passages were empty chambers. No mummies or treasure was found in the pyramid.

During the Arabs' excavation of the Pyramid of Khufu, they encountered various boulders and slabs that were used to seal the passages and chambers within the pyramid. They also found hidden doors. This probably fueled the many myths about the Egyptian pyramids being booby-trapped, and where a grave robber who managed to get in would never get out alive.

A 17th century Englishman managed to uncover another shaft connecting the passages, but still no treasure was to be found.

Two conclusions can be derived from this. One, ancient tomb raiders have long since plundered all the treasure from the pyramid, leaving behind nothing but a few empty chambers. Or two, Khufu's mummy and treasure is still cleverly hidden within (or beneath) the Great Pyramid.

Steven maintains the informational website Wonders of Ancient Egypt at http://www.nekhebet.com . Do visit if you want to find out more about the wonders of Egypt such as the Pyramids and the Lighthouse; or mysteries such as mummifcation and conspiracy theories; or its religion and history.

---

Ten Skills - A Backpacking List

Have you ever had a backpacking trip that was a... Read More

Hiking Safely on the Hills

SAFE WALKING TREKKING OUTDOORSIf you are contemplating a long distance... Read More

How to Grab a Bite to Eat and Help the Planet

You CAN grab something to eat, enjoy every bite, AND... Read More

Unforgettable White Mountains Vacations ? The Most Scenic 100 Miles in New England

This amazing drive through the White Mountains of New Hampshire... Read More

The Price of Gas Really Doesnt Matter!

"The good news is that there is no reason to... Read More

Backyard Camping Trip

Are your kids begging you to take them camping, but... Read More

Eight Tips For A Bug-Free Summer

(NC)-With approximately 42,000 mosquitoes for every person in Ontario, most... Read More

Spanish Courses in Spain

Spain: sun, sea, sand and Spanish... discover us! Spain, a... Read More

RV Camping at Casinos

There's nothing that will quicken the interest of RVers like... Read More

Experience The Real Florida

Every year around 40 million visitors come to Florida for... Read More

Visiting Croatia

Croatia has quickly become Europe's hottest destination, and for good... Read More

A Torrent of Influences ? Tourism in Goa

Sun, Sand and Surf ? an apt description for Goa?... Read More

Creative Camp Cooking - Part 2

In a previous article, I wrote primarily about box ovens.... Read More

Viewpoints on Whale Watching in Hermanus!

If you're looking to spot a whale, the first few... Read More

Hiking from Your Own Home

Picture this. You are stuck at home knee deep in... Read More

Tanzania Safari Top Five National Parks and Game Reserves

Ask about perfect wildlife destinations and a Tanzania safari will... Read More

Be Sure to Buy the Best Discount Camping Gear Before Going on that Family Adventure

When you're on the Internet looking for discount camping gear,... Read More

A Thumb Sketch Outline of Tanzania?s Attractions and National Parks

The Northern Circuit is probably Africa's most dramatic wildlife area.... Read More

Creative Camp Cooking

For most people, outdoor cooking is synonymous with barbeque, but... Read More

Disneyland for Hikers: A Walk to Mt. Whitney

Base camp sits at 12,000 feet - stark, windy, unshaded... Read More

The Different Styles of Tents Available

The dictionary defines a tent as 'a portable shelter usually... Read More

Where to Find Some of the Best Beaches in the World

We think that Cape Town has some of the best... Read More

GOA ? A Carnival of Beaches

The state of Goa on the West coast of India,... Read More

Great Family Camping Trips Make Excellent Traditions

A wonderful way to invest in your families' treasure trove... Read More

Tent and Outdoor Gear Care and Repair

TENT CAREYou should seal all floor seams and those seams... Read More

Bird Safaris: Timbavatis Most Desired Plumage

Normally when you think Safari you think Big 5. The... Read More

The Benefits of One Day Hiking Trips

Do you like to take one day hiking trips? Do... Read More

Should You Buy a Used Inflatable Boat?

There are two types of used inflatable boats for sale... Read More

Alaska Hunting Guide

WHAT TO HUNT AND WHERE: Alaska is a hunter's paradise.... Read More

River Rafting on the Salmon River

The beautiful Salmon River stretches through over 400 miles of... Read More

Tom Sawyer Day - Floating Down The River

There were four of us on that first Tom Sawyer... Read More

10 Tips to Planning Your Dream Road Trip

Everyone has a travel dream. For many it is hitting... Read More

Arrowhead Hunting and Rock Collecting

We weren't planning to go rock and arrowhead hunting in... Read More