Great Pyramid of Giza
- The Great Pyramids, located at Giza on the west bank of the Nile River north of Cairo, are the only wonder of the ancient world that has survived to the present day. It was constructed from 2560 to 2540 BC.
- The largest and most impressive is Khufu, which covers 13 acres and is believed to contain more than 2 million stone blocks that weigh from two to 30 tons each. - Khufu was an important pharaoh. - For more than 4,000 years, at 481 feet, Khufu reigned as the tallest building in the world. In fact, it took modern man until the 19th century to build a taller structure. - Amazingly, the nearly symmetrical pyramids were built without the aid of modern tools or surveying equipment. Scientists believe that the Egyptians used log rollers and sledges to move the stones into place. - The interior of the pyramids included narrow corridors and hidden chambers in an unsuccessful attempt to foil grave robbers. - Although modern archeologists have found some great treasures among the ruins, they believe most of what the pyramids once contained was looted [robbed] within 250 years of their completion. |