Great pyramid giza closeup

The Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, seen in close-up detail of its limestone blocks.

About this subject

The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Cheops, is the largest and oldest of the three pyramids in the Giza complex, Egypt. Built approximately 4,500 years ago during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, it served as the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu. Originally encased in polished limestone that reflected sunlight, the pyramid lost its casing over centuries, exposing the inner core blocks. Its original height was 146.6 meters, now reduced to 138.8 meters due to casing removal and natural erosion.

Construction required moving about 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing an average of 2.5 tons. Precise astronomical alignment allowed the pyramid's faces to be oriented almost perfectly to the cardinal points. The Great Pyramid remained the tallest man-made structure for over 3,800 years until the completion of Lincoln Cathedral in England in the 14th century.

Beyond its architectural grandeur, the pyramid houses internal chambers such as the King's Chamber, Queen's Chamber, and the Grand Gallery. The ventilation shafts and light channels suggest deep engineering and astronomical knowledge. Despite extensive research, how exactly the Egyptians erected such a monument with the available technology remains unknown.

Today, the Great Pyramid is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world and continues to be studied by archaeologists and engineers. In 1979, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Giza complex.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the original height of the Great Pyramid?

The original height was 146.6 meters, but today it measures 138.8 meters due to loss of the outer casing and erosion.

How many blocks were used in the construction?

Approximately 2.3 million stone blocks were used, each weighing an average of 2.5 tons.

Who ordered the construction of the pyramid?

Pharaoh Khufu of the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom ordered its construction as his tomb.