About the Pyramids of Giza
The most famous and popular monument in the whole world, the most astonishing landmark of Egypt, and one of the oldest buildings in history, the Pyramids of Giza are the most magnificent evidence of the greatness of the Pharaohs.
The location of the Pyramids of Giza
Situated at the West Bank of the Nile in Giza, about 20 kilometers to the South West of the heart of Cairo, the pyramids of Giza are located on a high plateau at the end of a street that holds the same name; El Ahram or the pyramids in the Arabic language. El Deak Tours provides the best tours to Egypt with visits to the Giza Pyramids.
The ancient Egyptians constructed pyramids in fact to be the royal burial chambers of their kings, queens, and some of the high-ranked royal family members.
The Grand Pyramid of Cheops
King Cheops, the second Pharaoh of the 4th dynasty of the Old Kingdom of ancient Egypt, constructed the grand pyramid of Giza in 2560 BC. The construction work of the pyramid took more than 20 years to be completed.
The Pyramid of Cheops, or the Grand Pyramid in Giza is surly one of the most astonishing constructions in the whole world and one of the Seven Wonders of the Old World.
This huge pyramid weighs approximately more than six million tons. Some of the stone that were used in its construction weighs from 3 to 25 tons. However, the pyramid was accurately built with exact measurements that you couldn’t find even a half-millimeter mistake. Maybe this is why many travellers visit Egypt to view the greatness of the Pyramid of Cheops.
The original entrance to the Grand Pyramid of Giza is situated 17 meters above sea level in the Northern side of the pyramid. Above the original entrance, there are two layers of huge stones that are believed to be roofing the passageway from the entrance to the burial chamber down below.
The Pyramid of Khafre
The second largest pyramid in Giza was the second to be constructed in this ancient necropolis. King Khafre who ruled Egypt from 2558 till 2532 BC established this pyramid. The Pyramid of Khafre, which still preserves some of its outer cast, is 143 meters in height and each of its sides is 215.5 meters long.
The Mortuary Temple of the Pyramid of Khafre is located to the East of the pyramid. Historical records assert that this has been a magnificent construction that was made out of limestone and granite rocks. On the other hand, the Valley Temple consists of a passageway that leads to a large open courtyard that has 16 pillars with each of them about 4 meters in height.
The Pyramid of Menkaure
The smallest pyramid in Giza is that of Menkaure that ruled Egypt from 2532 until 2502 BC. The pyramid is only 66 meters in height and the base is around 109 meters. The first 16 layers of stones in the pyramid of Menkaure were covered with blocks of light pink rocks.
The Sphinx
Among the most amazing elements to be viewed by travelers who spend their tours in Egypt while visiting the pyramids of Giza is the astonishing sphinx. This huge statue of a lion with a human head has defended the pyramid for years.
Made out of limestone, the sphinx was constructed in the reign of king Khafre. The sphinx is 20 feet in its length and 70 feet in its height. These dimensions make it one of the largest statues in the entire globe.
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