Great pyramid giza closeup

The Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis, is a marvel of ancient engineering.

About this subject

The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or Cheops, is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis, located on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt. Built during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, around 2560 BCE, it served as the tomb for Pharaoh Khufu. Originally standing 146.6 meters (481 feet) tall, it now measures 138.8 meters (455 feet) due to the loss of its outer casing of polished white limestone. Its square base measures approximately 230.4 meters (756 feet) on each side, covering an area of 5.3 hectares (13 acres). It is estimated to be composed of about 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing between 2.5 and 15 tons.

The construction precision is remarkable: the sides are aligned to the four cardinal points with an average error of only 3 minutes of arc. Internal chambers include the King's Chamber, the Queen's Chamber, and the Grand Gallery, as well as several shafts and ventilation channels. The pyramid is believed to have been built using internal and external ramps, though the exact method remains debated. The original limestone casing, which would have made the pyramid shine like a mirror, was stripped over the centuries for building mosques and other structures in Cairo.

The pyramid is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing, and it remains one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. In 1979, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Giza complex. Recent studies, such as the ScanPyramids project, have used non-invasive techniques to explore possible hidden cavities, including a major discovery in 2017 of a void the size of an airplane above the Grand Gallery. Despite millennia of research, the pyramid still holds many mysteries, captivating historians, archaeologists, and visitors from around the globe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Great Pyramid of Giza built?

The Great Pyramid was built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops) during the Fourth Dynasty of ancient Egypt, around 2560 BCE. It is part of a larger funerary complex that includes temples and smaller pyramids.

How many stone blocks are in the Great Pyramid?

The pyramid is estimated to be composed of approximately 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing between 2.5 and 15 tons. Some granite blocks in the King's Chamber can weigh up to 80 tons.

What is the current height of the Great Pyramid?

Originally 146.6 meters (481 feet) tall, the pyramid now measures 138.8 meters (455 feet) due to the loss of its outer casing of polished white limestone over the centuries.