THE GREAT PYRAMIDS OF GIZA

The sides are oriented to the four cardinal points of the compass. But how were they constructed? Read up on the possible ways the Pyramids were constructed.

The Pyramids of Giza are the most famous monuments of ancient Egypt. These massive stone structures were built around 4500 years ago on a rocky desert plateau close to the Nile. They form part of the burial complexes of the Egyptian pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure

Pyramid of Khafre Pyramid of Khufu Pyramid of Menkhaure

The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest of the pyramids of ancient Egypt, and was considered by the ancient Greeks to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Khufu (Cheops to the Greeks) came to power when the Old Kingdom of ancient Egypt was nearing a peak of prosperity and culture. His pyramid is remarkable for both its size and its mathematical precision.

The Great Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three pyramids of Giza and shows the beginning of the decline in workmanship in the Egyptian pyramid building. The pyramid was not complete when Menkaure' died. Shepseskaf, who was Menkaure's son, finished the pyramid. The pyramid stands 66.5m.

The Great Sphinx belong to the pyramid of Khafre

If you would like to find out more on the pyramids, visit NOVA at pbs.org. Or the Giza Archives Project. You may also subscribe to the Ancient Egypt Magazine On-line.

For further information, contact me at S.Charles-marc