The oldest of the 7 world wonders, the Giza Pyramids have the unique allure of being one of the only remnants of an ancient civilization.  An enriching journey to the pyramids would include reading stories of ancient Egypt and the pharaohs for whom they were built.

The Great Pyramid of Giza also called the Great Pyramid and Great Pyramid of Khufu, ancient Egyptian pyramid that is the largest of the three Pyramids of Giza. It was built to honor Khufu, the second king of Egypt’s 4th dynasty, and was completed about 2560 BCE.

The Great Pyramid is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the World left standing today. As perhaps the largest single building ever constructed, it is a wonder mainly because of its scale and because of the incredible precision with which the work was executed. It is assumed to be the burial place of Khufu, but only an empty sarcophagus has been found inside. The pyramid originally stood about 482 feet (147 m) high with four equal sides each measuring about 755 feet (230 m). The giant, stepped sides were originally covered with highly polished limestone casing stones. When in place, these stones, weighing some 15 tons apiece and slotted together with unerring accuracy, would have lent sheen to the structure in the sun.

Some Egyptologists believe that the pinnacle of the structure may have been gilded. Inside the pyramid, are the King’s Chamber, which contained a huge granite sarcophagus, and the smaller Queen’s Chamber, which features a large angular doorway or niche. There are two narrow shafts, about 8 inches (20 cm) wide, extending from the chamber toward the outer surface of the pyramid. The other main features of the Great Pyramid are the Grand Gallery, ascending and descending passages, and the lowest part of the structure sometimes dubbed the “unfinished chamber.”

Contrary to popular opinion, archaeologists and historians believe that the Great Pyramid and the other pyramids at Giza were built by paid laborers, rather than enslaved people, as the remains of deceased builders were found in a burial place of honor near the pyramids.

GALLERY