Ancient Construction
The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the 7 wonders of the world, located in Egypt. It was built by Khufu in 2800 BC and stands at 756 feet long on all sides and 450 feet tall. 2,300,000 blocks of stone constructed it, each averaging 2 1/2 tons in weight. Despite the makers’ limited surveying tools, no side is more than 8 inches different in length than another.
Building Materials
The Great Pyramid has an estimated 2.3 million limestone blocks transported from nearby quarries. The Tura limestone used for the casing was quarried across the river. The largest granite stones in the pyramid, found in the “King’s” chamber, weigh 25 to 80 tons and were transported from Aswan, more than 500 miles away. Ancient Egyptians cut stone blocks by hammering wooden wedges into the water-soaked stone. Once they were cut, they were carried by boat up or down the Nile River to the pyramid. It is estimated that 5.5 million tons of limestone, 8,000 tons of granite (imported from Aswan), and 500,000 tons of mortar were used to construct the Great Pyramid of Khufu.
The Wonder of the World
The pyramid of Khufu is a testament to human ingenuity and architectural prowess. It was immense and impressive considering the epoch in which it was built. Until the 19th century, it was considered the tallest building or largest pyramid in the world and is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Fascinating Facts
- The Great Pyramid is nearly 800 feet long, 450 feet high, and built with over two million stone blocks.
- The average weight of each stone is about 2,500 pounds.
- The pyramid took over 20 years to build.
- If you want to go inside the pyramid, you have to bend down and go that way until you find the burial chamber.
- The main entrance of the pyramid contains a long narrow corridor with a low roof that descends for more than 100m, leading to an unfinished chamber located about 24m below the ground level. You can feel little fresh air inside the chamber.
- Among the major tourist sites, it is considered the major tourist spot in the world.
In conclusion, the Great Pyramid of Giza stands as a testament to the ingenuity and skill of ancient Egyptian engineers and builders. Despite being built over 4,500 years ago, it continues to amaze and inspire people from all over the world. Its sheer size and precise construction are truly remarkable, and its mysteries continue to captivate both scholars and laypeople alike. Whether you are a history buff, an adventurer, or simply someone who appreciates the wonders of the world, a visit to the Great Pyramid of Giza is an experience not to be missed. So go ahead, marvel at its grandeur, and let yourself be transported back in time to a world of ancient wonders and mysteries.
