Great pyramid giza closeup

The Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was built as the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu around 4,500 years ago.

About this subject

The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu, is the largest and most iconic of the three pyramids on the Giza Plateau in Egypt. Built during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, its construction is estimated to have been completed around 2560 BCE. Originally 146.6 meters tall, it now stands at 138.8 meters due to the loss of the outer casing of white limestone. The base covers about 5.3 hectares, with each side measuring approximately 230 meters. For over 3,800 years, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world.

The construction of the pyramid involved immense logistical and human effort. It is estimated that about 2.3 million stone blocks were used, each weighing on average 2.5 tons, with some blocks reaching up to 80 tons. The stones were quarried nearby and transported via the Nile. The interior contains three main chambers: the King's Chamber, the Queen's Chamber, and an unfinished subterranean chamber. The King's Chamber, made of granite, houses an empty red granite sarcophagus.

The pyramid is part of a funerary complex that includes valley temples, causeways, smaller satellite pyramids, and the Great Sphinx. Unlike many later pyramids, the Great Pyramid was built with remarkable architectural precision: the sides of the base differ in length by an average of only 2.1 centimeters. The orientation of the sides is almost perfectly aligned with the cardinal points, with an error of less than 0.15 degrees. Theories about its construction range from external ramps to more complex methods, but no explanation is definitively accepted.

Culturally, the Great Pyramid is a lasting symbol of Egyptian civilization and its engineering prowess. Although looted over millennia, it still evokes fascination and mystery. It is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that remains substantially intact, drawing millions of visitors annually. In 1979, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Giza area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many blocks were used in the construction of the Great Pyramid?

It is estimated that about 2.3 million stone blocks were used, each weighing an average of 2.5 tons.

What was the original height of the Great Pyramid?

Originally it was 146.6 meters tall, but now stands at 138.8 meters due to the loss of the limestone casing.

Is the Great Pyramid still considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World?

Yes, it is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that remains substantially intact.