THE GREAT PYRAMID OF GIZA

A marvelous mystical icon ‘THE GREAT PYRAMID OF GIZA’ is a sight to behold. The Great Pyramid is a delight standing 455 feet tall on a rocky plateau. It stands on the west bank of River Nile. It stood high with pride as the tallest man-made structure for roughly 3800 years.

One of the seven wonders of the ancient world and the only one left. The Great Pyramid is not only a monument but an actual puzzle to ponder.

It is a gem of technical skill and engineering ability built approximately with 2.3 million blocks of limestone. Each weighing about 2 tones cut with precision, transported and assembled to build the astonishing 5.75 million tone structure. The monument construction is still a mystery to resolve.

The pyramids of Egypt are located precisely towards north. Another fun fact, the pyramids lie to the west of the Nile river as the west symbolized the land of the dead.

People of Egypt believed that the Egyptian pharaohs after death would become gods. In order to prepare themselves for the for the world after death, they erected temples for gods and pyramid tombs for the pharaohs. Filled with worldly treasures required by them to sustain and lead their lives after their demise.

The Great Pyramid of Giza belongs to a complex of 3 large pyramids Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure each corresponding to the Kings of Egypt. It is an embodiment of the grandeur of ancient Egypt.

The Great pyramid of Giza was constructed for the 4th dynasty pharaoh Khufu, the largest of the three. It lies at the northernmost, it also contains smaller complexes of its own for Khufu’s wives.

Construction Enigma

Archaeologists are still under the mission of configuring the pyramid construction. Some believe that about 20,000 workers worked to slice up the huge stones and slowly carry them up the pyramid on ramps one block at a time.

Estimations imply that it took about 23 years to build the astonishing Great Pyramid of Giza. A few also suggest a pulley system.

The base of the pyramid was believed to be a perfect square. Until the DASH FOUNDATION in 2016 discovered with the help of statistical analysis that it is not a perfect square. As the west side of the pyramid exceeded the east by 5.55inches.

Researchers also believe that the pyramid’s capstone was gold plated. The apex of the structure shimmered when the sun struck them. Due to erosion, 25 feet of stone from the structure has eroded. Currently only an iron triangle sits atop representing the pyramidion or capstone.

Awe-inspiring architecture of The Pyramid

The Egyptians were indeed much ahead of time in engineering and technical skill. As the cornerstone of the pyramid’s foundation are in a ball and socket construction in order to save them from natural calamities such as earthquakes and heat expansion.

Another amazing trait is the granite coffer lying inside the main chamber of the Great Pyramid. It seems to be perfectly normal until you realize that it a solitary piece of granite. That is way too large to fit down or squeeze into any of the passageways of the pyramid. This realization by historians led to the fact that the pyramid is built around the coffer, instead of the coffer inside the pyramid.

Despite the scorching heat of Egypt, the temperature inside the pyramid is at a constant of 20 degree Celsius- the average temperature of Earth.

Interior structure of the Great Pyramid of Giza

The entrance of the pyramid lying on the North side about 59 feet above ground level opens into the grand pyramid. From where a sloping corridor descends to the interior masonry which end into an unfinished underground chamber.

An ascending passageway leads to a room, the Queen’s chamber and to a huge slanting Gallery. The King’s chamber lies above the gallery completely lined with granite.

Two narrow shafts also run indirectly through the masonry to the exterior of the pyramid. The cause of its construction either for ventilation or for religious purpose is still up for debate.

Five compartments separated by granite slab lie above the Kings chamber to shield the ceiling. Redirecting the immense force exerted by the masonry.

Artistry 

The Tomb art and inscriptions are a tool to research into Egyptian grammar and language. The tomb walls reveal the pharaonic civilization in all aspects.

Pyramid art includes depiction of various fields of Egyptians. Such as ancient farming, fieldwork, livestock, fishery, fowling, carpentry, clothing, lifestyle of pharaohs and the common man, rituals and burial practices.

Egypt’s 2011 uprisings and their chaotic political and economic aftermath negatively impacts tourism. One of the country’s most important industries for developing the economy.

As humongous as they are the pyramid of Giza are irreplaceable. With the rapid growth in modern Egypt they will need greater attention and protection.

It is a major concern to look after such a splendid architecture resembling rich culture, heritage and technical skill.

In order to remain as the key touch stones of ancient history.