The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid.
The Great Pyramid was built as a tomb for the Fourth Dynasty Egyptian pharaoh Khufu over a period of about 20 years.
The Great Pyramid is a marvel of engineering and construction.
It is estimated that it took over 100,000 workers to build the pyramid and that they used various methods to transport and lift the massive stones.
The pyramid’s interior is divided into three chambers, the largest of which is the King’s Chamber.
This article shares more details about the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Khufu and the Great Pyramid of Giza
Pharaoh Khufu, a mighty ruler of ancient Egypt, reigned during the Old Kingdom period, around 4,500 years ago.
He was a member of the Fourth Dynasty, part of the Old Kingdom era and ruled for approximately 23 years.
He’s best known for commissioning the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Little is known about his personal life, but his reign left an indelible mark on Egypt’s history.
History of the Great Pyramid
The construction of the Great Pyramid is attributed to Pharaoh Khufu (also known as Cheops), who ruled Egypt during the 26th century BCE.
The pyramid served as a tomb for the pharaoh and was designed to facilitate his journey to the afterlife.
Its construction required an immense workforce of skilled architects, engineers, and laborers.
The pyramid was originally 146.6 meters (481 feet) tall.
Due to the erosion of the outer casing stones and the removal of the capstone, its current height stands at 138.8 meters (455 feet).
Architecture of the Great Pyramid
What makes the Great Pyramid truly remarkable is its precise construction.
The ancient Egyptians employed advanced techniques and precise measurements to create this colossal structure.
The pyramid’s base covers an area of approximately 53,000 square meters, each measuring 230.4 meters (756 feet) in length.
The pyramid’s sides align almost perfectly with the compass’s cardinal points, showcasing exceptional astronomical and mathematical knowledge.
The pyramid was constructed using an estimated 2.3 million limestone blocks weighing several tons.
These blocks were quarried locally and transported to the construction site using sleds and rollers.
The exact method of placing these massive stones with such accuracy remains controversial among historians and archaeologists.
Features of the Great Pyramid
The Great Pyramid boasts several architectural features that highlight the skill of its builders.
One of the most intriguing aspects is the arrangement of the inner chambers.
The pyramid comprises three main chambers: the King’s Chamber, the Queen’s Chamber, and an unfinished subterranean chamber.
The King’s Chamber, located at the heart of the pyramid, contains a red granite sarcophagus believed to have held the body of Pharaoh Khufu.
The precision of the construction is evident in the King’s Chamber, where the granite blocks fit together with astonishing accuracy.
The chamber also features two air shafts, aligned with specific stars in the night sky, suggesting a deeper understanding of astronomy by the ancient Egyptians.
Archaeological discoveries
Over the centuries, archaeologists and historians have unearthed several intriguing artifacts and clues within the Great Pyramid.
These discoveries have sparked various theories about its purpose, construction methods, and symbolic significance.
Considering the limited technology, it is a mystery what construction techniques were used to lift and place the massive stones.
Some theories propose using ramps, straight or zigzagging along the pyramid’s sides, to transport the stones to higher levels.
Others suggest the construction of an external spiral ramp, allowing the blocks to be hauled upwards as the pyramid grew in height.
The exact method remains a topic of active research and debate within the archaeological community.
The pyramid’s alignment with celestial objects has also led to speculation about its astronomical significance.
Some researchers argue that the pyramid’s layout corresponds to the constellation Orion, emphasizing the importance of celestial symbolism in Egyptian culture.
Symbolism and Significance
Beyond its architectural brilliance, the Great Pyramid of Giza holds immense cultural and symbolic significance.
In ancient Egyptian belief, the pyramid represented a link between the earthly realm and the afterlife.
The careful alignment of the pyramid with celestial bodies reflected the Egyptians’ deep connection with the cosmos and their belief in the divine nature of their pharaohs.
Furthermore, the pyramid’s construction was a monumental effort that required the coordination and cooperation of a large workforce.
It served not only as a tomb for the pharaoh but also as a symbol of the unity and power of the Egyptian state.
The awe-inspiring grandeur of the pyramid was meant to inspire reverence for the pharaoh and reinforce the divine authority of the ruling monarchy.
What to see inside the Great Pyramid of Giza?
The Great Pyramid houses three burial chambers – the King’s Chamber, the Queen’s Chamber and the Subterranean Chamber.
You can access the chamber with the help of a sloping passageway called the Grand Gallery.
There are also various corridors and shafts in the pyramid.
The interiors are decorated with red granite slabs and limestone statues.
The north face of the pyramid holds an ornamental entrance, which was the original entry point to the chambers.
The complex around the Pyramid consists of two mortuary temples and solar barges accessible from the inside of the pyramid.
Great Pyramid tours
Visitors need an entry ticket to explore the interiors of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
The best way to visit the Great Pyramid would be to book your tickets online before your visit.
With these guided half-day Pyramid tickets, you can easily explore the highlights of the Pyramids of Giza.
It also includes entry to iconic sites such as the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple, camel riding in the desert, and an Egyptian lunch at a traditional restaurant.
The tour will give you informative insights into ancient Egypt’s history.
Your tickets also provide convenient round-trip transfers for a hassle-free experience.
Ticket includes:
- Entry to the Great Pyramid
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Camel ride and lunch
Ticket Prices:
| Age of the visitor | Ticket prices |
|---|---|
| Adult (12+ years) | EGP 090 ($197) |
| Child (6 to 11 years) | EGP 2936 ($95) |
| Infants (up to 5 years) | ($0) |
How to reach the Great Pyramid
The Great Pyramid of Giza is located near the city of Cairo. Get Directions.
This incredible ancient wonder stands tall on the Giza Plateau, a vast desert near the Nile River.
You can choose to drive or take a taxi to the famous pyramids. Uber and Careem are two popular apps in Cairo.
It will take an average of 30 minutes to reach, and you can choose which entrance you get off at.
A taxi costs you approximately EGP 60 ($2) or above.
CTA buses have routes that take people outside of Giza. Routes 355 or 357 will take you to the Pyramids.
You must purchase your tickets once you get on from the conductor. It will cost you EGP 3 to EGP 3.5.
The fastest option to get to the Pyramids of Giza- the Metro. The Metro line M2 runs to giza.
It will take you only 20 minutes to reach. The closest metro stop is El Giza or Omm El-Misryeen.
From here, you can take a taxi or bus to the pyramids.
Best time to visit the Great Pyramid of Giza
The best time to visit the Great Pyramid of Giza is during the cooler months of November to February.
This period offers pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees F (10 to 21 degrees C).
Visiting during winter ensures comfortable exploration without the risk of overheating yourself while enjoying the ancient wonders.
Plus, fewer tourists crowd the site, allowing you to appreciate the pyramids and Sphinx at your own pace.
It does get chilly at night, so bring a light jacket.
Avoid the hot summer months, as temperatures can soar above 100°F (37°C), making it a less enjoyable experience.
If you are planning to visit Pyramids of Giza, here are some more information to help you plan your visit:
Great Pyramid of Giza – FAQs
1. What is the Pyramid of Khufu?
The Pyramid of Khufu, also known as the Great Pyramid, is an ancient Egyptian pyramid in Giza.
It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and was built for Pharaoh Khufu around 2560 BCE.
It’s the largest of the Giza pyramids.
2. Who was the Pyramid of Khufu built for?
The Pyramid of Khufu was built for Pharaoh Khufu, also known as Cheops, as his grand tomb in ancient Egypt.
3. Why is the Pyramid of Khufu important?
The Pyramid of Khufu is vital due to its historical significance as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World!
It reflects ancient Egyptian architecture, culture, and the advanced engineering skills of its time, showcasing the power and wealth of Pharaoh Khufu.
4. Can you go inside the Pyramid of Khufu?
Yes, visitors can enter the Pyramid of Khufu through a narrow passage to explore its inner chambers and experience its history.
5. How tall is the Pyramid of Khufu?
The Pyramid of Khufu stands approximately 481 feet (147 meters) tall, making it the tallest of the Giza pyramids and an ancient engineering marvel.
6.Can I buy tickets to visit the Pyramid of Khufu?
You can buy tickets to the Pyramid of Khufu at the ticket counter near the pyramid or online.
Online tours offer entry to the Great Pyramid of Khufu and various other attractions with one purchase.