Pyramids of Ancient Egypt

Pyramids of Ancient Egypt

Learn about Pyramids of Ancient Egypt The great structures of this world civilization

Pyramids of Ancient Egypt

Overview

Some of the most amazing constructions that people have ever created are the pyramids from ancient Egypt. Today, we can still see and visit several of the pyramids.

Why did they build the pyramids?

The pyramids were constructed as monuments and burial sites for the Pharaohs. The Egyptians held the belief that the Pharaoh required particular items in order to triumph in the afterlife as part of their religion. The Pharaoh would be interred deep inside the pyramid with all kinds of treasure and possessions that he could require to survive in the afterlife.

Types of Pyramids

Some of the older pyramids, known as step pyramids, occasionally feature wide ledges that resemble enormous steps. According to archaeologists, the stairs were constructed as stairways that the pharaoh might use to go to the sun deity.

Later pyramids had flatter, more sloping sides. These pyramids stand in for a mound that first materialized in prehistoric times. The other gods and goddesses were made by the sun god when he was seated on a mound.

How big were the pyramids?

There are about 138 pyramids in Egypt. A few of them are enormous. The Great Pyramid of Giza, commonly known as the Pyramid of Khufu, is the largest. It was nearly 480 feet tall when it was first constructed! It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and for more than 3800 years was the highest man-made building. This pyramid is thought to have been constructed with 2.3 million rock slabs weighing a combined 5.9 million tons.

Djoser Pyramid by Unknown

How did they build them?

Archaeologists have been attempting to unravel the enigma of how the pyramids were constructed for a very long time. Numerous slaves are thought to have been employed to cut the big blocks into smaller pieces and then transfer them carefully up the pyramid on ramps. Block by block, the pyramid would gradually be constructed. The Great Pyramid of Giza was constructed over a period of 23 years, according to scientists, by at least 20,000 laborers. Pharaohs typically began building their pyramids as soon as they assumed power because it took so long to complete them.

What’s inside the pyramids?

The Pharaoh’s burial chamber, which is located deep inside the pyramids and would have been stocked with goods for the Pharaoh to utilize in the hereafter, is there. There were frequently paintings and carvings on the walls. There would be other rooms next to the Pharaoh’s chamber where family members and servants were interred. Smaller rooms frequently served as temples, while bigger rooms served as storage. A few narrow hallways led outside.

Sometimes tomb thieves might be duped by making up burial rooms or corridors. Grave robbers would attempt to break into the pyramid in order to steal the treasure because there was such great treasure hidden inside. Despite the Egyptians’ best attempts, by 1000 B.C. almost all of the pyramids had been looted of their riches.

Facts about the Great Pyramids

• The Great Pyramid of Giza points very precisely to the north.
• The pyramids of Egypt are all built to the west of the Nile River. This is because the western side was associated with the land of the dead.
• The base of a pyramid was always a perfect square.
• They were built mostly of limestone.
• There were traps and curses put on the tombs and the pyramids to try and keep robbers out.

Pyramids of Ancient Egypt

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