Great pyramid giza closeup

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

About this subject

The Great Pyramid of Giza, located on the Giza Plateau near Cairo, Egypt, is the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. Built during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom around 2560 BCE, it served as the tomb for Pharaoh Khufu (also known as Cheops). Originally 146.6 meters (481 feet) tall, it now stands at 138.8 meters (455 feet) due to the loss of its outer casing of polished white limestone, which was removed over centuries for construction in Cairo.

The pyramid consists of approximately 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing an average of 2.5 tons, with some blocks reaching 15 tons. The stones were transported primarily from the Nile River and nearby quarries using ramps and sledges. The base alignment is astonishingly precise: the sides differ in length by less than 5 cm, and the corners are nearly perfect right angles, reflecting the ancient Egyptians' advanced knowledge of geometry and astronomy.

Inside, the pyramid features three main chambers: the King's Chamber, the Queen's Chamber, and an unfinished subterranean chamber. The King's Chamber, made of pink granite from Aswan, contains an empty granite sarcophagus. The Grand Gallery, a sloping corridor 8.6 meters (28 feet) high, is an engineering marvel. Despite centuries of study, exactly how the pyramid was built remains debated; theories include internal and external ramps, as well as lever systems.

The Great Pyramid is part of the Giza funerary complex, including two smaller pyramids (of Khafre and Menkaure), the Sphinx, and several temples and mastabas. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of tourists annually. Notably, the limestone casing blocks were so finely polished that they reflected sunlight, making the pyramid shine like a jewel in the desert.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many blocks make up the Great Pyramid?

The Great Pyramid consists of about 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing an average of 2.5 tons.

What was the original height of the Great Pyramid?

Originally it was 146.6 meters (481 feet) tall; now it stands at 138.8 meters (455 feet) due to the loss of the outer casing.

Is the Great Pyramid still one of the Seven Wonders?

Yes, it is the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.