Great pyramid giza closeup

The Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is a colossal monument that continues to fascinate visitors worldwide.

About this subject

The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or Cheops, is the largest and oldest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex in Egypt. Built around 2560 BCE during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, it served as the tomb for Pharaoh Khufu. Originally standing at 146.6 meters (481 feet), it now rises 138.8 meters (455 feet) due to the loss of its polished white limestone casing stones. For over 3,800 years, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world.

The pyramid's base is nearly a perfect square, with sides averaging 230.4 meters (756 feet) in length, with an alignment error of only a few millimeters. It is estimated to have been constructed from about 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing between 2.5 and 15 tons. The construction method remains debated, with theories involving internal or external ramps, levers, and sleds pulled by hundreds of workers.

Internally, the pyramid contains three main chambers: the King's Chamber, the Queen's Chamber, and an unfinished subterranean chamber. The King's Chamber houses an empty granite sarcophagus with no inscriptions. The Grand Gallery, a steeply inclined corridor 8.6 meters (28 feet) high, leads to the royal chamber. The pyramid complex also included mortuary temples, solar boats, and satellite pyramids for queens.

Interestingly, the pyramid's orientation is almost perfectly aligned with the cardinal points, with a deviation of only 0.067 degrees. The granite blocks in the King's Chamber are so precisely fitted that a razor blade cannot be inserted between them. Contrary to popular belief, the pyramid was not built by slaves but by skilled workers who lived in a nearby temporary city and received wages, food, and medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is the Great Pyramid of Giza today?

Currently, the Great Pyramid stands at 138.8 meters (455 feet), about 8 meters less than its original height of 146.6 meters (481 feet) due to the removal of its casing stones.

How many stone blocks were used to build the pyramid?

It is estimated that the pyramid was built with approximately 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing between 2.5 and 15 tons.

What is inside the Great Pyramid?

Inside, the pyramid contains three main chambers: the King's Chamber, the Queen's Chamber, and an unfinished subterranean chamber. The King's Chamber holds an empty granite sarcophagus.