Great pyramid giza closeup

The Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest and only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, is captured in close-up detail with a fish-eye lens.

About this subject

The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or Cheops, was constructed around 2560 BCE during the Fourth Dynasty of ancient Egypt. Located on the Giza Plateau, bordering the Nile River near Cairo, it is the largest of the three pyramids in the complex. Originally standing 146.6 meters tall, it now measures 138.5 meters due to erosion and the removal of its outer casing of smooth white limestone. Its square base is about 230 meters on each side, covering an area of 5.3 hectares. For over 3,800 years, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world, until the completion of Lincoln Cathedral in England in the 14th century.

The construction involved approximately 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing on average 2.5 to 15 tons. It is estimated that tens of thousands of workers, including stonecutters, engineers, and laborers, worked on the project over 20 years. The pyramid's alignment with the cardinal points is remarkably precise: the average deviation between sides is only 2.5 centimeters. Internally, it contains three burial chambers: the Subterranean Chamber, the Queen's Chamber, and the King's Chamber, the last of which houses a red granite sarcophagus.

The Great Pyramid has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Memphis and its Necropolis since 1979, together with the other pyramids and the Great Sphinx. Over the centuries, it has been the subject of extensive research and theories, from earlier ideas of slave labor (now dismissed, with evidence pointing to a specialized workforce) to modern speculations about hidden chambers revealed by muon radiography. In 2023, scientists announced the discovery of a 9-meter-long hidden corridor near the main entrance, confirming that the pyramid still holds secrets. The site attracts millions of tourists annually and remains an enduring symbol of ancient Egyptian ingenuity and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current height of the Great Pyramid of Giza?

The Great Pyramid now stands 138.5 meters tall, reduced from its original 146.6 meters due to the loss of the limestone casing and erosion over millennia.

How many blocks were used to build the Great Pyramid?

It is estimated that around 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing between 2.5 and 15 tons, were used in its construction.

Does the Great Pyramid still hold secrets?

Yes. In 2023, scientists discovered a 9-meter-long hidden corridor near the entrance, and ongoing muon radiography studies continue to reveal new internal cavities.