Giza Pyramids

The History of the Giza Pyramids

The construction of the Giza Pyramids is traditionally credited to three Pharaohs, namely; Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. As earlier stated, this was during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. This period was characterized by massive monumental construction projects. Part of this is the birthing of the Giza Pyramids. Back to how it all began.

The first Giza pyramid was constructed by Pharaoh Khufu which is apparently the largest of all the Giza pyramids. The construction is believed to have taken place between 2580-2560 BCE. It has an incredible height of 481 feet about the plateau. That’s a huge one. Records also have it that about 2.3 million stone blocks went into the construction of the Khufu Pyramid—each block weighing an average of 2.5 to 15 tons. You can tell from the precision of the arrangement of the blocks, that Egypt long ago had advanced engineering skills.

The second pyramid was built by Pharaoh Khafre, the legitimate son of Khufu. Although not as big as the first one, this pyramid has its distinguishing features. It has casing stones at its apex, providing viewers with the illusion of a greater height. Adjacent to this pyramid is the Sphinx, a monument that has the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh. It is believed to represent Pharaoh Khafre.  

The third and last of the Giza pyramids was built by Pharaoh Menkaure. It is the smallest of all the pyramids. Even though Mankaure's Pyramid is smaller in size, it has a unique construction made from granite core and very detailed architecture. This pyramid stands alongside three smaller queen's pyramids.

Construction Techniques and Theories Surrounding the Giza Pyramids

The Giza Pyramids are the product of meticulous construction along with quality materials. Records have it that the stones used in the construction of the Giza Pyramids were quarried from nearby sites. Limestone was used for the majority of the structure and granite for specific elements. You can tell that those behind the construction of the Giza Pyramids possessed advanced skills in the construction of ancient Egyptian architecture.

Meanwhile, there are theories surrounding the construction of the pyramids. One of them is Ramp Theories. The first set of theories (Ramp theories) proposes the use of straight or zigzag ramps to get the large stones in the right position. Another set of theories (internal ramps) holds that there is an existence of internal spiral ramps within the pyramid itself. The third set of theories on the construction of the Giza pyramids (innovative approach) holds that as research and archaeological discoveries continue, more light is shed on the methods employed by the ancient Egyptian constructors.

Religious and Funerary Significance

The Giza Pyramids not only serve as a tourist sight attraction, it also have some religious and funerary significance. The pyramids served as elaborate tombs for pharaohs. This says so much about the ancient belief system of Egypt, particularly regarding the afterlife and Pharaoh’s journey into the life after. You can tell from the alignment of the pyramids with celestial bodies as a mark of religious reverence for the monumental structures. There are a few theories on pyramid symbolism that are worth mentioning here. For instance, the shape of the pyramid, according to the theory, symbolizes the primordial mound from which the ancient Egyptians believed life emerged. Additionally, the orientation of the pyramids towards the sun and celestial bodies suggests a solar connection. As a result, it laid emphasis on the divine role of the pharaoh.

A Global Place for Tourist Attraction

The Giza pyramids have been one of the major places in the world with the greatest number of visitors annually. Yearly, millions of people from across the globe come to have a fascinating experience of this historic monument. As a result, several preservation efforts are put in place with the purpose of creating a balance between tourism, and the need to safeguard these ancient structures from wearing out or getting damaged by environmental factors.

While these preventive measures are put in place to ensure the safety and continuity of these ancient monuments, there are still challenges. Environmental impacts such as climate change, pollution, and wear and tear caused by millions of visitors contribute immensely to making it more challenging to conserve. But the good news is that there are ongoing initiatives that monitor and restore the monuments and to ensure the long-term preservation of the monuments.

Tips for Visiting the Giza Pyramids

Visiting the Giza Pyramids requires some precautions to be taken into consideration. There are things you must put into consideration in order to make the most out of your tour. The first thing you should do is to find out the rules for photography. Always ask for permission before taking photos inside religious sites or of locals. The truth is that some places have restrictions on photography. So, do well to ask questions and be sure you can take pictures.

Second, dress modestly. Don’t forget, this is not your culture, you are going into someone’s culture, and so, your mode of dressing really matters. Dressing modestly is your little way of showing respect for the culture and religion of the people. Mind you, Coptic Cairo is a highly religious ground.

Third, respect local customs. Most religious settings find it offensive to be noisy during prayer sessions. Don’t be a nuisance. Fourth, your visitation should be within the week. That way, you bypass the large crowds that come during weekends. 

Recap

We have seen in this article, the inception of each of the compositions of the Giza Pyramids. Also, we’ve seen how people in the past sought to immortalize their pharaohs, by building the pyramids, a shared symbol of immortality. Today, the glory and splendor of the Giza Pyramids continue to stand as profound symbols of the ancient culture of the Egyptians. Millions of people across the globe come yearly to visit the Giza pyramids and have a feel of what this ancient testament holds for our world today.