Built over 4,500 years ago, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the last remaining of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The Pyramid of Khufu, also known as The Great Pyramid, stands at 146 meters tall. The scale and precision of construction is remarkable, using an estimated 2.3 million limestone and granite blocks, with the sides aligning almost perfectly with the cardinal points of the compass.
The three pyramids are believed to mirror the three stars of Orion's Belt, a significant constellation in ancient Egyptian mythology. Some speculate that the ancient Egyptians associated the afterlife with the stars, making the pyramids not only monumental tombs but also cosmic gateways.
The pyramids were originally covered in smooth, white Tura limestone casing, creating a brilliant outer surface that reflected the sun's light. Today, only a few remain at the base of the Pyramid of Khafre. The changing colors at sunrise and sunset provide glimpses into their former grandeur.
The Great Pyramids of Giza were not just monumental structures but integral components in ancient Egyptian philosophy of life and death.
The Pharaohs constructed the pyramids as tombs to ensure a safe journey to the afterlife. The ancient Egyptians believed in an afterlife where the deceased would continue their existence. The elaborate burial structures were designed to facilitate this journey.
The purpose of the chambers and intricate passageways remains unknown. The King's Chamber inside the Great Pyramid houses a huge red granite sarcophagus. Some suggest it served as a symbolic burial place, others propose it played a role in initiation rituals or other astronomical significance.
The ancient Egyptians associated the pyramid form with the sun's rays, which they considered a representation of the sun god Ra. The pyramid shape was thought to elevate the soul of the deceased toward the heavens, ensuring a closer connection to the divine.
