The Pyramids of Giza History

The Pyramids of Giza is an Egyptian Pyramid complex located just outside the city of Cairo, Egypt. The complex consists of three large pyramids, the Sphinx, some smaller satellite pyramids (also called 'Queen pyramids'), tombs, and cemeteries. The Pyramids of Giza were built during the fourth dynasty of Egypt's Old Kingdom between the 26th century BC and 24th century BC.

The largest of the three pyramids is the Pyramid of Khufu (also known as The Great Pyramid of Giza). This pyramid was constructed in the 25th century BC and was a tomb for the Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu. The Great Pyramid was almost 500 feet tall and would be the tallest building in the world for nearly 4 millennium. The Great Pyramid had three chambers built into it, the King chamber, the Queen chamber, and one unfinished chamber.

The next largest pyramid on site is the Pyramid of Khafre. Although this pyramid looks larger than the Great Pyramid, it is actually slightly smaller in height and volume. The pyramid sits atop a ridge that is 10 meters higher than the Great Pyramid so it appears taller. This pyramid is recognizable by the original limestone casing that is still intact at its peak. The pyramid was built to be a tomb for the Egyptian Pharaoh Khafre and was built around 20 years after the Great Pyramid. The Pharaoh Khafre succeeded his father Khufu.

The third largest pyramid on site is the Pyramid of Menkaure. This pyramid is less than half as tall as the other two pyramids, but it still tops out at over 200 feet. It was built to be the tomb of the Pharaoh Menkaure. The pyramid was built around 2510 BC. The Pharaoh Menkaure succeeded Khafre, but it is unclear whether he was the son of Khufu or the son of Khafre. This pyramid appears to be hastily constructed at its peak, giving the impression that Menkaure died suddenly and they needed to complete the pyramid.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is also located in the complex, and the common theory is that it was constructed during Khafre's reign and that the likeness of the head of the Sphinx is in fact Khafre. There is an alternate theory that suggests the Sphinx may in fact be up to 1500 years older than the pyramids, there is no reference to the Sphinx in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, so it is unclear when it was built and what its purpose was.

There are several other smaller pyramids, tombs, and cemeteries throughout the Giza complex. Some people have the illusion, based off of photographs, that the pyramids are out in the middle of the desert, that couldn't be farther from the truth. The metropolitan area of Cairo, Egypt has been developed right up to its boundary.

The Pyramids of Giza: Wonder of the World

On July 7, 2007, The Pyramids of Giza was chosen as an honorary member to New Open World Corporation's list of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It was not included in the voting since it is the only original Wonder of the World still in existence. The others were Machu Picchu in Peru, The Colosseum in Rome, Christ Redeemer in Brasil, Petra in Jordan, Chichen Itza in Mexico, Taj Mahal in India, and The Great Wall of China.

On January 15th, 2009, The Pyramids of Giza was voted as the 3rd of 12 Wonders of the World on our own Wonders of the World Vote. The other two already voted in are Machu Picchu in Peru and The Colosseum in Rome.