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Discover the Mysterious Pyramids of Giza: A Fascinating Journey into Ancient Egypt

Step back in time to explore the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza, a testament to the ancient Egyptian civilization's greatness. Nestled in the Giza Necropolis, a short distance from Cairo, these imposing structures were meticulously crafted by three Pharaohs over 4500 years ago. These towering and archaic structures were erected as tombs for three revered Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt during the fourth dynasty of the Old Kingdom. Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure left an indelible mark on history by commissioning these pyramids on the Giza plateau.

Today, they continue to captivate the world with their sheer scale and brilliance of engineering. Alongside the three main pyramids, the Giza plateau boasts an array of smaller pyramids and temples, accompanied by the enigmatic Great Sphinx of Giza, a marvel in its own right. Embark on a journey of discovery as we delve into the mysteries and splendor of the Pyramids of Giza, a truly mesmerizing experience and one of the esteemed Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Read on as we unravel the history, architecture, and allure of these extraordinary structures, showcasing the brilliance and ingenuity of our ancient forebears.

Pyramids of Giza: An Overview

Pyramids of Giza

Why Visit the Pyramids of Giza?

The Must-See of The Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza Complex includes many ancient wonders, including the three pyramids themselves, temples, burial tombs, and more.

The Pyramids of Giza
Pyramids of Giza
Pyramids of Giza
Pyramids of Giza
Pyramids of Giza
Pyramids of Giza

Queen’s Pyramids

Around the Pyramids of the three Pharaohs, there are smaller pyramids belonging to the pharaohs’ queens, mothers, and daughters. These include the tombs of Queen Khentkaus I, and Queen Hetepheres.

Workers' Village

This is where the workers who built the Pyramids of Giza lived. It was discovered in 1988 by archaeologist Mark Lehner on the southeast side of the Giza necropolis, where the bakeries and breweries built for the workers still are!

Temples

Each of the Giza Pyramids have a number of attached temples, including a valley temple were where the bodies of the pharaohs were prepared for burial, and a mortuary temple where priests worshipped the deceased pharaohs.

Pyramids of Giza: Where and When?

Pyramid of Giza

The Enigmatic Pyramids of Giza: A Brief History

In the 26th century BC, Pharaoh Khufu began the construction of the Great Pyramids of Giza, a momentous feat completed around 2560 BC. The pyramid of Khufu, also known as the Great Pyramid, stood as the tallest structure for almost 3800 years, with an imposing height of 146.5 meters. Adjacent to it, the pyramids of Pharaoh Khafre and the iconic Great Sphinx took shape around 2520 BC. The smallest pyramid, dedicated to Pharaoh Menkaure, was completed around 2510 BC.

Constructed using over 2 million stone blocks, each block weighing 25 to 80 tons, the pyramids were assembled with remarkable precision. Contrary to popular belief, these structures were built by tens of thousands of skilled laborers, not slaves. Today, exploring the remnants of the workers' village provides insights into their lives during the construction. The pyramids' history spans millennia, from ancient looting to modern Egyptologists' groundbreaking discoveries in the 20th century.

Presently there are ongoing plans to revamp the pyramids of the Giza complex, and the Ministry of Tourism in Egypt is to make the site more accessible and promote tourism in Egypt.

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Half-Day Tour of the Giza Pyramids & Sphinx
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Full-Day Guided Tour of Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Saqqara and Dahshur
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Half-Day Guided Tour of Pyramids & Sphinx with Nile River Felucca Boat Tour
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Guided Tour of the Egyptian Museum, Pyramids & the Bazaar
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Quad Biking Tour of the Pyramids with Optional Camel Ride
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Pyramids of Giza

Q. Who built the Pyramids of Giza?

A. The pyramids of Giza were built during the fourth dynasty by the ancient Egyptian Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.

Q. Who were the Pyramids of Giza built for?

A. The pyramids of Giza were built for the ruling Pharaohs of that time. The three pyramids are the tombs of the Kings Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.

Q. How many pyramids are there at Giza?

A. There are three main pyramids of Giza, belonging to the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. There are also around six smaller subsidiary pyramids belonging to various royal women.

Q. How old are the Pyramids of Giza?

A. The Pyramids of Giza are over 4500 years old.

Q. Which is the oldest Pyramid of Giza?

A. The oldest of the pyramid, the Great Pyramid of Giza was built in c.2600 BC. That makes it about 4600 years old.

Q. How tall are the Pyramids of Giza?

A. The Great Pyramid of Giza is 137 meters tall; the Pyramid of Khafre is 136 meters high; and the height of the pyramid of Menkaure is 62 meters.

Q. Which is the biggest Pyramid at Giza?

A. The largest pyramid at Giza is the Great Pyramid of Khufu, which is 137 meters (or 449 feet) tall.

Q. How did the Egyptians build the Pyramids?

A. The Pyramids were built using large limestone blocks quarried nearby. Egyptians used meticulous geometry to plan the Giza Pyramids, and then assembled using ramps, sledges, rollers, and levers.

Q. What is inside the Pyramids of Giza?

A. Pyramids are the tombs of the Pharaohs. They are filled with are many chambers including the King's Chamber where you will find their sarcophagus.

Q. Can you go inside the Pyramids of Giza?

A. Yes, visitors can enter all the three Pyramids of Giza, as well as a number of the Queen’s Pyramids.

Q. Is it possible to climb the outside of the Pyramids of Giza?

A. No. The pyramids are protected ancient ruins and climbing them can cause damage and is also very dangerous.

Q. When are the Pyramids of Giza opened to tourists?

A. The pyramids are open seven days a week from 8 AM - 5 PM in the summer and 8 AM - 4 PM in the winter.

Q. Can I buy tickets to visit the Pyramids of Giza?

A. Yes. Tickets to the Pyramids of Giza are available here.