Giza: The Mysterious Pyramid of the Ancient World

The three Pyramids of the Ancient world are located in the Giza Necropolis, Egypt. These three pyramids were built at the time when the Kingdom of Egypt was in the top of its power and richness and are considered to be architectural wonders in the world. Though 6,000 years have passed since the pyramids were erected, they still stand with all their glory on the outskirts of the modern city of Cairo. 

The oldest, also the largest of the three Pyramids of Giza is the one also Called the Pyramid of Khufu. It was named after the same name pharaoh, who built it as home to his tomb. It took over 20 years to complete the construction of the pyramid which was over 2560 BC. As the largest pyramid in the world, it is 147 meters long. Each side of the pyramid is 230 meters long. The blocks composing the pyramid, weigh over 1,5-2 tons. It has been the highest structure in the world for 3,800 years. At the age of 4,500 years, the Great Pyramid of Giza stands to be the only surviving wonder in the ancient list of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

We find records on the history of the pyramid in the works of the Greek historian and traveler Herodotus, who visited the place in 450 BC. He wrote in his history book that over 1,000 slaves worked on the pyramid with enormous machines to pull those 1,5-2 tons stones. Herodotus, coming from  democratic Athens, anticipated this kind of egoism from the pharaoh towards his people; so much effort and harsh work to construct an enormous building just for a single person. In is later records the historian mentions that even one thousand years passed since the reign of Khufu, people still hated his cruelty and cold hardly say his name aloud. But for the Egyptians during the Khufu’s reign, this act could be something honorable to do for the sake of Gods. It is well-known that pharaohs were not only the head of the Kingdom, but also those sacred creatures who were a link between numerous Egyptian Gods.

However, contemporary historians find that Herodotus is not that accurate in his records. According to calculations, fewer years and men resources were needed to construct the pyramid. The fact of huge machines used during the construction appears to be false, as well. Though, it isn’t  surprising that the historian mentioned false information in his book, as something like 20 centuries had passed since the time of the construction.

The pyramid was exposed to both modern and ancient robber’s atrocities. Most of the funeral goods and bodies have been removed and the white limestone covering the inner walls, are stripped off. Even in this condition the Great Pyramid of Giza continues to attract thousands of tourists annually. If you haven’t visited it yet, do not make any plans to die.