Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest and oldest of the three main pyramids in Egypt’s Giza pyramid complex, built for Pharaoh Khufu during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest and oldest of the three main pyramids in Egypt’s Giza pyramid complex, built for Pharaoh Khufu during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. It is the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World and remains one of the most famous monuments in history, standing on the Giza Plateau near Al-Jīzah (Giza), northern Egypt.
History and construction
The Great Pyramid was commissioned by Pharaoh Khufu during the Fourth Dynasty and is generally dated to around c. 2600 BCE. Estimates for its construction period range from about 10 to 20 years, depending on the source.
Architecture
The pyramid originally stood about 146.5–147 metres high and was built with a limestone core and a smooth outer casing of high-quality limestone. Its internal design includes the King’s Chamber, Queen’s Chamber, Grand Gallery, and other passages and chambers.
Role in the Giza necropolis
The Great Pyramid is the central monument of the Giza pyramid complex, which also includes the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure and the Great Sphinx. The complex formed part of the royal funerary landscape of ancient Egypt.
Cultural significance
The Great Pyramid is widely regarded as the most famous monument of ancient Egypt and the only preserved Wonder of the Ancient World. It has long been recognized as a symbol of ancient engineering and royal power.
Key facts
- It is the largest of the pyramids in the Giza complex.
- It was built as the tomb of Khufu, a Fourth Dynasty pharaoh.
- Its original height was about 146.5–147 metres, and it stood as the tallest structure in the world for millennia.
- The pyramid was constructed with local limestone and once had a polished limestone casing.
- Its interior includes chambers, passages, shafts, and the Grand Gallery.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is a major world heritage site studied in Canadian schools, museums, and university courses on ancient history, archaeology, and architecture.
Frequently asked questions
Who built the Great Pyramid of Giza?
When was the Great Pyramid of Giza built?
Is the Great Pyramid the only surviving ancient wonder?
How tall was the Great Pyramid originally?
Where is the Great Pyramid located?
What is inside the Great Pyramid?
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pyramids-of-GizaSupports: Location, date, and World Heritage designation of the Giza pyramids.
- WorldAtlas — https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/10-astounding-facts-about-the-great-pyramid-of-giza.htmlSupports: Great Pyramid as oldest and tallest of the Giza pyramids and its status among the Seven Wonders.
- Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities — https://egymonuments.gov.eg/en/monuments/the-great-pyramidSupports: Khufu attribution, original height, internal chambers, construction materials, and significance.
- Smithsonian Institution — https://www.si.edu/spotlight/ancient-egypt/pyramidSupports: Khufu commission, dimensions, and architectural details.
- Live Science — https://www.livescience.com/34193-great-pyramids-of-giza.htmlSupports: Giza complex context, construction dates, and Great Pyramid dimensions.
- Smarthistory — https://smarthistory.org/the-great-pyramids-of-giza/Supports: The Great Pyramid as the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World.