Behold the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
Published by Kristin Cowles, Editor-in-Chief
Country: Egypt 
The Experience
Some of the most remarkable achievements in human history stand in preservation on the Plateau of Giza, by Cairo in Egypt. The Great Pyramids of Egypt, built over 4,500 years ago, continues to astound the amazement of all who visit. The Pyramids of Giza are the most famous of ancient Egyptian monuments. This series of necropolises served the elite Royal Egyptians during the 4th Dynasty, approximately late 3rd millennium BCE.
The most famous of these tombs is the Pyramid of Khufu. It is also known as the Great Pyramid (or the Pyramid of Cheops) and is the largest of the bunch. The next most prominent Great Pyramid is the Pyramid of Khafre; then followed by the modest-sized Pyramid of Menkaure. Khufu Pyramid was built by over 1,300,000 limestone blocks weighing from 2.5 to 15 ton. The four sides of this architectural masterpiece face the four cardinal points perfectly. In its original enormity, it measured 488 ft., but today (due to theft) it is only 455 ft.
How the Egyptians actually built the Pyramids with large stone blocks, and managed the extensive labour force to build them, is still largely unknown today. It’s widely believed that a majority of this labour force came from the farming community after the Nile River had flooded, rendering the farmland completely underwater. Many noted archeologists and engineers have offered some theories on this matter through demonstrating how heavy blocks of stone can be maneuvered and transported into place with special ramps and sledges.
Not all of the pyramids in Egypt have survived the years in a preserved state. There are just over a hundred pyramids known to still be recognizable as such in Egypt. Although the main understanding of the pyramid is as a mausoleum for deceased kings and queens of the time, they are also understood to be culturally significant to ancient Egyptian belief as stairways into heaven.
The most famous of these tombs is the Pyramid of Khufu. It is also known as the Great Pyramid (or the Pyramid of Cheops) and is the largest of the bunch. The next most prominent Great Pyramid is the Pyramid of Khafre; then followed by the modest-sized Pyramid of Menkaure. Khufu Pyramid was built by over 1,300,000 limestone blocks weighing from 2.5 to 15 ton. The four sides of this architectural masterpiece face the four cardinal points perfectly. In its original enormity, it measured 488 ft., but today (due to theft) it is only 455 ft.
How the Egyptians actually built the Pyramids with large stone blocks, and managed the extensive labour force to build them, is still largely unknown today. It’s widely believed that a majority of this labour force came from the farming community after the Nile River had flooded, rendering the farmland completely underwater. Many noted archeologists and engineers have offered some theories on this matter through demonstrating how heavy blocks of stone can be maneuvered and transported into place with special ramps and sledges.
Not all of the pyramids in Egypt have survived the years in a preserved state. There are just over a hundred pyramids known to still be recognizable as such in Egypt. Although the main understanding of the pyramid is as a mausoleum for deceased kings and queens of the time, they are also understood to be culturally significant to ancient Egyptian belief as stairways into heaven.
When to Go to Pyramids Egypt
The operating times to access the Great Pyramids are between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. Check for special seasonal closing times. It is strictly forbidden to climb on the Pyramids other than the stairway entrances. Tickets cost about 100 Egyptian Pounds (E£), and make sure to get your ticket early as the number of visitors is limited. There are additional costs as well at Khafre’s Pyramid, and you will have to pay an additional E£20 for the entrance, and a E£10 camera fee. Tip: If you don’t want to pay the extra fees for Khafre’s Pyramid, you can also visit one of the less prominent Pyramids (such as Khufu’s wife or mother's pyramid), and just show your regular admission ticket.
Odds n' Ends
A large cedar boat was unearthed on the Plateau of Giza in 1954, and it was reassembled for display. Historians claim that this boat may have been provided at the time for the deceased king to travel through the underworld.
Egyptologists believe that the 73-metre long Great Sphinx of Giza was carved from a rocky outcrop. It was built in the 3rd millennium BCE, but its exact age is unknown. This giant statue of a reclining lion with a human head is the largest monlithic statue in the world at 73.5 metres long, 6 metres wide, and 20 metres high.
Egyptologists believe that the 73-metre long Great Sphinx of Giza was carved from a rocky outcrop. It was built in the 3rd millennium BCE, but its exact age is unknown. This giant statue of a reclining lion with a human head is the largest monlithic statue in the world at 73.5 metres long, 6 metres wide, and 20 metres high.
Want a Guide?
- Egypt Explorer - GAP Adventure
- Wander around the legendary pyramids, bargain your way through Khan el-Khalili bazaar, enjoy the langour of Aswan and admire the Luxor. Step into the pages of history and learn first hand about the glorious land of Egypt.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Mena House Oberoi, Cairo
- This palatial hotel in the shadow of the Great Pyramids in Cairo has enchanted guests since 1869. Located in forty acres of jasmine scented gardens, Mena House Oberoi has played host to kings and emperors, Heads of State and celebrities.
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- Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2009: 850 Trends, Destinations, Journeys & Experiences for the Year Ahead (Paperback)
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
The 5 Star Mena House Oberoi Hotel sits in 40 acres of verdant gardens beneath the shadow of the Great Pyramids, located in the Giza ... 0 miles away
$529 EGP+
All rooms with air condition and (hot & cold water), living room with American kitchen and balcony overlooking the Sphinx. The rooms, furnished with an ... 0 miles away
$236 EGP+
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While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
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Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
The Giza Plateau is only around 30 minutes from Cairo, where your qualified Egyptologist guide will provide a fascinating introduction to each of the three ...
Starting from $79.00 per person.
Starting from $79.00 per person.
Books and DVDs
Elsewhere on the Web
- The Great Pyramids - New 7 Wonders.com
- The Pyramids of Giza, the oldest and only Ancient Wonder still standing, are testimony to perfection in art and design, never subsequently achieved.
- 360 degree virtual tour of Pyramids.
- Travel Report Egypt - Voyages.gc.ca
- WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Media References
- Egypt ponders bill to copyright the pyramids - CBC.ca (television)
- Egypt might seek out copyright on its antiquities, from the pyramids to scarab beetles, in an attempt to collect royalties from the creation of replicas...
- Great Pyramid as Cuckoo Clock? It Might Not Be Crazy - NY Times.com (newspaper)
- THEY have been called mystical, awe-inspiring, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. But it is safe to say that in the 45 centuries the great pyramids of Giza have cast their formidable shadow over the desert...
- Touring the Spirit World - NY Times.com (newspaper)
- NO sound was heard in the burial chamber of the Great Pyramid as a tall, slender woman lay down in the pharaoh’s pitted granite sarcophagus...
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