THE GREAT PYRAMIDS OF GIZA – EGYPT
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PHOTO CAPTION: The Great Pyramids of Giza. SOURCE: pyramid-of-giza
The Great Pyramids of Giza are important symbols of ancient Egyptian civilisation and also the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World left undamaged.
The name “Giza” refers to the city where the pyramids are situated, about 9 km from central Cairo. The three main pyramids are named after the pharaohs for whom they were built: Khufu (also known as Cheops), Khafre, and Menkaure.
Constructed about 4500 years ago, the Great Pyramids of Giza were built over the span of three generations by the rulers Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure using millions of limestone and granite blocks, reflecting the Egyptians’ advanced understanding of engineering and astronomy.
The pyramids were part of a royal mortuary complex that also included a temple at its base and a long stone causeway (some nearly 1 kilometre in length) leading east from the plateau to a valley temple on the edge of the floodplain.
As monumental tombs, the pyramids represented the Egyptians’ faith in the afterlife and their pharaohs’ divine status. They also represent the peak of Egyptian architecture and have impacted societies and constructions around the globe.
According to the ancient historian Herodotus, the building structure took 20 years and involved over 100,000 workers.
As Egypt’s most visited tourist attraction, the pyramids draw millions annually. However, the surge in tourism has led to challenges, including overcrowding and preservation concerns.
