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The Pyramids of Giza

The Great Pyramids of Giza

One of the most famous tourist attractions in the world and the only surviving member of the seven wonders of the ancient world, these three great pyramids have become a defining symbol for Egypt in all its magnificence. They have remained an engineering and architectural marvel for many centuries and still continue to inspire awe even today.

Location

The Giza pyramids are situated on 'The Giza Plateau, a rocky plateau on the western part of the banks of the Nile in northern Egypt.

The Giza pyramid complex is made up of three great pyramids namely;

1. The Pyramid Of Khufu:
The largest pyramid of them all This Pyramid is also called 'The Great Pyramid' or the Pyramid of Cheops. It is recorded to have been constructed between c. 2580 and c. 2560 BC.

2. The Pyramid of Khafre: 
Also called The Pyramid of Chephren, it's the second largest pyramid of the Great Three. It is conveniently located just a few hundred meters to the southwest of Khufu.

3. The Pyramid of Menkaure:
It is also called The Pyramid of Mykerinos. It is the smallest of the three pyramids and is only another few hundred meters farther southwest.

The Sphinx, a legendary Egyptian mythology guardian stands to watch on the east side of the complex and close to the three great pyramids.

 

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wiki

History

The three Great Pyramids were built from 2550-2490 BCE under the reign of Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menakure chronologically.
Before the construction of the Eiffel Tower was completed in Paris, France in 1889, the Great Pyramid (Cheops) had been the tallest man-made structure to ever exist for more than 4,000 years.

Although it is still up for question, it is generally accepted that the pyramids' purpose was to serve as special graves for the Pharaohs. But so far, there hasn't been a single widely recognized explanation of the pyramids' construction.

One theory about the pyramid's construction is that the Egyptians made use of ramps positioned outside the pyramids' structure to arrange the blocks,  however this theory it is not generally accepted. 
Another common theory as regards the construction of the pyramids is that it was built by Hebrew slaves. However, this theory has been considered false and it is believed that the pyramids and all other temples and monuments in Egypt were actually constructed by Egyptians hired for their skills and that the laborers were duly compensated for their labor.
 

The Giza Plateau

Layout

The Great Pyramid which doubles as the largest and oldest pyramid of the three was built as a special Mastaba for Pharaoh Khufu who was the second pharaoh of the 4th dynasty. It measures 755.75 feet (230 metres) at each side of the base with an original height of 481.4 feet (147 metres).

The middle pyramid which is the second largest was also built for Pharaoh Khafre who was the fourth Pharaoh of the 4th dynasty; each side on the base of the structure measures 707.75 feet (216 metres) and the original height was 471 feet (143 metres) high.

The last pyramid is the Mastaba of Menkaure, the fifth Pharaoh of the 4th dynasty; each side of the base is 356.5 feet (109 metres), and it stands at a height of 218 feet (66 metres).  

Things To Do At The Pyramids:

 

1. See The Pyramids.
If there's nothing else you do, you have to see the three world-famous pyramids. 
Get as close to them as you can to take in the massiveness of their sheer size and breathe in ancient history.

Also check out the interior of the pyramids, especially Khufu, where you'll get to see the Grand Gallery and the King's Chamber.

2. Stand At The Panoramic Points.

There are nine pyramids on the Giza plateau. You usually can't see them all but at the panoramic points, you can see not just the three great pyramids but an additional three more pyramids at the same time.

3. Take A Picture With The Sphinx.

There's a viewing platform near the sphinx where you can just take in the awe of the creature, but if you want to keep this awe forever, be sure to take a picture, if you get the angles right you can even take kissing the sphinx photo.

4. Check Out The Solar Boat.

Very near the pyramids is the solar boat which was built in 2500 BC. It is also called "The Khufu Ship" since it was built to carry the resurrected Pharaoh Khufu across the heavens alongside Ra, the Egyptian sun god.

5. Enjoy The Light and Sound Show.

The light and sound show has been a tradition at the pyramids since the 1960s.
Each night at the show, the sphinx narrates the history of the pyramids while the pyramids are adorned with multicolored lights.

6. Ride A Camel Across The Giza Plateau.

It's one thing to see the pyramids, it's another whole experience seeing them on camel back. When the sun is setting, head out into the surrounding desert for magnificent views of the monuments against the orange desert sky, it's truly wonderful.

7. Go To The Valley Temple.

This historical temple was the temple where King Khafre was mummified. 
Be sure to visit it and have a glimpse of history, it's just right next to the Sphinx.

 

Pyramids at Giza

Best Time To Visit The Pyramid

The pyramids are open all year long, so it depends on what period of the year you decide to visit. 
If you're visiting in February and November then you'll want to avoid going to see the Pyramids in the mornings because it's usually hazy in the mornings, the best time to visit would be in the afternoon when the atmosphere is clearer.
In the period between March and October, the temperatures are usually very hot, to avoid these hot temperatures you'll want to go early in the morning.

But we can assure you that it doesn't matter what time you go, whenever you visit Egypt you'll have a great time with unforgettable memories.

Giza in sunset Pyramids

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