12 Lesser Known Facts About the Pyramids of Giza
Built by the ancient Egyptian kings of the 4th dynasty, the Pyramids of Giza are one of Egypt's top attractions. Nestled on the Giza Necropolis, these pyramids are part of a cluster of ancient monuments that include the Great Pyramid, the Great Sphinx, and other fascinating finds. For thousands of years, they were the tallest man-made structures in the world, and today, they are both a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the seven ancient wonders of the world.
12 facts about the Pyramids of Giza
The Giza Pyramids are in perfect alignment
The Pharaohs of the Old Kingdom believed that they were direct descendants of the Sun God, Ra, so the Pyramids were built in a way that the corners pointed to the Temple of Ra at Heliopolis, in concert with the constellation Orion.
Six million tonnes of brick was lifted with no technology
Around 2.3 million bricks, roughly weighing around 2.5 tons each were used to build the Pyramids of Giza. A widely accepted theory is that the ancient Egyptians used ramps, made from mudbrick or limestone chippings to transport and lift the massive stone blocks.
The slaves were paid to build the Pyramids
While the Greek historian Herodotus claimed that menial laborers were engaged in the construction of the Pyramids, scholars suggest that the worker cemeteries near the Pyramids belonged to professional builders and paid laborers.
The Pyramid of Khufu once had an invisible door
A popular legend suggests that the Pyramid of Khufu once had a colossal swivel door weighing a staggering 20 tons. It is said that this door could only be opened from the inside and remained entirely indiscernible from the outside.
The construction site was carefully chosen
The Giza Pyramids were located on the west bank of the Nile River, also known as the Land of the Setting Sun, because they were built to house the tombs of the Pharaohs of the Old Kingdom period. It reflects the ingenious planning strategies of ancient Egyptians.
The Pyramids have shrunk over the years
While the Giza Necropolis has stood the test of time, the passage of years, erosion, and harsh desert climate, coupled with looters have stripped these ancient beauties of their outer casings. This has led to a noticeable decrease in the height of the Pyramids.
The King's Chamber may have come before the Pyramids
Scholars have realized that the granite coffer inside the main chamber of the Great Pyramid cannot fit through a passageway. The mystery remains, whether it was somehow sent through another passage or if the Pyramids were built around this granite piece.
A Sultan attempted to destroy the Pyramids
During the 12th century, Al-Aziz Uthman, the second Ayyubid Sultan of Egypt employed a massive crew to destroy Menkaure’s temple. His efforts were unsuccessful because the cost, time, and sheer physical effort could only result in a long gash around the surface of the temple.
The Pyramids have been looted
The ancient pharaohs were often buried with gold, jewels, and other precious items that adorned their sarcophagi. This soon became the target of many tomb robbers who looted these graves within just 500 years of the Pyramids being completed and sealed.
The Pyramids used to sparkle
The ancient pyramids were polished with limestone casings that reflected the Sun’s rays. These casings made it seem that the Giza Pyramids were glistening. However, except for the Pyramid of Khafre, these casings have worn away on most of the structures.
The Pyramids once had colors
Most people associate the pyramids with their current sandy appearance, but they were once painted with vibrant colors. Scholars have discovered traces of the original red, yellow, and blue pigments on the pyramids' stones.
The Pyramids had solar boat pits
Near the Great Pyramid, two solar boat pits were found, each containing a dismantled wooden boat. These boats were likely intended for the pharaoh's use in the afterlife. One of the boats has been painstakingly restored and is on display at the Giza Solar Boat Museum.
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