Fun facts about the Pyramids of Giza
The pyramids in Egypt (not to mention the many other statues, museums, and historic sites) are one of the main reasons travelers dream of visiting this North African country. Read on to discover five facts about the Pyramids of Giza that may just inspire you to take a future trip to Egypt.
The Pyramids of Giza were built more than 1,200 years before the rule of King Tut
One of the most interesting fun facts about the Great Pyramid of Giza is that it’s the oldest and last remaining of the original seven world wonders. This pyramid is also the oldest and largest of the nine at the Giza Necropolis and is the final resting place of king Khufu. The pyramid was completed in 2560 BC and took around 20 years to build.
The second-tallest pyramid, known as the Pyramid of Khafre, was completed in 2570 BC for king Khufu’s son. The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three pyramids. It’s the final resting place of king Khufu’s grandson.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is 481 feet tall
The Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest building in the world for 3,800 years! The Lincoln Cathedral in Lincoln, England was the first building to surpass the height of the Great Pyramid.
The Egyptian people built the Pyramids of Giza
Egyptologists are still not quite sure how the pyramids were built. But the most widely believed theory is that the Egyptian people all helped construct the buildings as an act of civil service. These builders were skilled laborers who were paid for their work. The discovery of a village located near the pyramids has led archaeologists and Egyptologists to believe that. At the peak, around 20,000 Egyptians were working to construct the pyramids.
There is one more fact about the Great Pyramid of Giza. Each of the limestone blocks used to build the pyramid weighs two tons. Which is about the same weight as a midsize SUV. How exactly the locals were able to lift those stones and form the perfect pyramid is up for debate. Some scholars say the Egyptians used a ramp and pulley system.
