Giza Pyramids - Feel the Grandeur of Pharos

In this article, you are going to know a lot of details about the Giza Pyramids.

Egypt is famous for its impressive Giza Pyramids. They were one of the wonders of the world. The first thing that any tourist would do when they come to Egypt is to visit these pyramids.

By the time, scientists discover more facts about the fascinating pyramids. Many people perceive Giza Pyramids as an embodiment of the advanced architecture of the ancient Egyptians, and they only speak about the outer appearance, describing the height and size. These pyramids are a mystery and contain a lot of details about ancient Egyptian kings. They were built initially to be tombs for the most remarkable kings.

★ Great Pyramid of Giza – Pyramid of Khufu:

During the reign of Pharaoh Khufu, the Great Pyramid was constructed. The pyramid is also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops. It is larger than the other two pyramids. It is nearly 146 meters high. Each side of the basement is more than 229 meters long.

Scientists believe that 100000 workers built Pyramid of Khufu, and it took them many years to finish. The pyramid consists of more than 2 million blocks, which weigh 45359 kilograms.

★ Pyramid of Khafre:

It is the second-largest pyramid, which was built by the second son of Khufu. Pyramid of Khafre is more than 135 meters high, whereas the base measurement is more than 200 meters.

This pyramid looks higher than the Pyramid of Khufu because it is built on a higher area of land. There is a burial chamber inside this pyramid, in addition to two passageways.

Pyramid of Khafre

Pyramid of Menkaure

★ Pyramid of Menkaure:

This pyramid is the smallest one. It is only 65 meters high, whilst the measurement of the base is 108 meters. Above all, it contains chambers that are more sophisticated than the chambers inside the Pyramid of Khafre.

★ Sphinx:

When you look at sphinx, you get the feeling that it is guarding the whole area. This massive statue is 73 meters long and 20 meters high. According to some researchers, the carving of Sphinx lasted for three years; besides, they believe that one hundred sculptors carved the statue out of stone.

The face of the statue was affected by the weather factors; the nose was the most part that the weather damaged. However, some people claim that Napoleon and his troops are responsible for destroying his nose when they went to conquer Egypt.

It is worth saying that in 2007 the local water under the statue raised and caused severe moisture, which inflicted damages to the statue. But the government managed to divert the water away from the statue by installing some pumps.

Egypt Sphinx

What did Sphinx look like originally?

The head of Sphinx is believed to be the head of King Khafre, whereas the body is of a lion, which indicates the might of that king. The statue was once covered with sand, and only its head appeared.

A lot of excavations were carried out by some archaeologists to dig out the statue, but many of them failed. Thanks to Selim Hassan, an Egyptian archaeologist, Sphinx was dug out successfully.

Egyptian Pyramids Facts:

Till now no one is sure about how the Ancient Egyptians erected the Giza Pyramids. Building one of the Pyramids lasted for more than thirty years, and it took 10,000 workers. There are many superstitions attached to the construction of the pyramids. The thing is, it is not easy for a human being to carry such a heavy brick and climb up; moreover, there isn’t any information about the devices and tools that the ancient Egyptians used to lift the bricks.

It is believed that during the Pharos era there were no technological advances; it was nearly a primitive society. Also, it is known that the Pharos practiced magic, so they might have employed ghosts to help them erect the pyramids precisely. A multitude of people holds the opinion that Pharos cast a spell on their tombs to deter anyone from stealing the gold inside, so the one who tries to enter the tombs will be cursed or killed. The ancient Egyptians believed that when someone dies, he will wake up again and search for food and water. That’s why they put gold jars and pots inside the tombs beside the corpse.

Did slaves build the pyramids?

It is widely believed that the Giza Pyramids were built by slaves, who were whipped all day to work hard under the harsh sun. This image comes from Hollywood movies, which are based on what the ancient Greek historian Herodotus said. On the other hand, some researchers and archaeologists argue that the Giza Pyramids were not built by slaves.

In 1990 a tourist found by coincidence many tombs that belong to the builders of the pyramids. When the archaeologists examined these burial chambers, they figured out that the workers were not slaves as many people claim. On top of that, an Israeli prime minister claimed that Jews had constructed the pyramids; however, Amihai Mazar, professor at the Institute of Archaeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, announced that there were no Jews at the era when they erected the Giza Pyramids. Over and above that, Egypt's chief archaeologist Zahi Hawas assured that the workers came from poor families, but they were not slaves.

How are the pyramids still standing?

The Pharos built the pyramids, bearing in mind reflecting their grandeur for the following generations. That’s why they chose a certain type of stone or granite, which is tough and is not easily damaged by the weather factors. They also tried to join the stones so tightly together to prevent water from penetrating the pyramids.

Activities and Entertainment at Giza Pyramids:

Spending a day at the Pyramids is enjoyable. There are camel and horse-riding tours; besides, there are many guides who are ready to accompany tourists and explain a lot about the history of the ancient Pharos and the pyramids. At night there is Pyramids Sound and Light Show, which is fascinating. On top of that, there are a plethora of comfortable hotels near the Giza Pyramids.

How to Reach?

Taxi: By taxi from the main city of Cairo. Ask for ‘Al'ahram’, that is how the pyramids are known in the local language. If there is no traffic jam, you will reach the gates of the Giza Pyramid in 30 minutes. On busy days it might take an hour. Taxi fare is mostly 40 LE (Egyptian Pounds) from downtown Cairo. However, you can negotiate the price.

Uber charges around 60LE from Cairo.

Bus: The bus number 355 and 357 bring you to the Giza Pyramid complex for 2.50 LE.

Microbuses (12 passengers) fare (LE2-LE5)

Metro: Fare LE2.00. Avail a metro from Attaba, Md. Naguib, Sadat and Naseer and alight at El Giza station which will take around 15 to 20 minutes. It is another ten kilometers to the gate of the pyramid complex. Take a microbus 900 /997 to reach close to the gates of the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx.