Pyramids of Giza

Ancient Egyptians constructed pyramids as elaborate burial tombs for their rulers, who they believed were divine figures, to protect them in the afterlife. These massive monuments were stocked with food, clothing, furniture, jewelry and other provisions intended to keep the mummified royal corpses and their spirits comfortable. Of the more than 70 pyramids built along the Nile River, the most famous are those located on the Giza Plateau, not far from the capital city of Cairo. They were constructed around 4,500 years ago for Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, three rulers of the fourth dynasty of Egypt's Old Kingdom, a period known as the golden age of pyramid building.

The Pyramid of Khufu, also dubbed the Great Pyramid, is the largest of the three Giza pyramids, as well as the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing. King Khufu, the son of Snefru and second ruler of the fourth dynasty, reigned from 2589 B.C. to 2566 B.C., according to some estimates (other experts cite 2551 B.C. to 2528 B.C.) His pyramid originally stood a towering 481 feet high--since reduced somewhat due to wear and tear--and was the world's tallest building for over 4,000 years. It was constructed with some 2.3 million stones weighing more than two tons each (much larger stones were also used for certain parts of the structure) and has a base covering approximately 13 acres. The pyramid is part of a complex that includes a mortuary temple, queens' pyramids, a causeway and boat pits (most likely built in the belief the vessels would assist the king on his trip to the afterlife).

The second-largest Giza pyramid was built for King Khufu's son Khafre, who held power from 2520 B.C. to 2494 B.C. With an original height of 471 feet and a base of 11 acres, this pyramid is surrounded by a complex that includes the Sphinx, a giant statue of a human-headed lion. Khafre's pyramid is also notable for being the only one of the three pyramids to retain its limestone cap. At an original estimated height of 215 feet, the smallest of the three Giza pyramids was built for Menkaure, believed to be Khufu's grandson, who likely ruled from 2490 B.C. to 2472 B.C.

Experts estimate that it took some 20,000 workers at least 20 years to build the Great Pyramid. Although it was once reported that slaves built the pyramid, more recent research indicates that skilled craftsmen and conscripted laborers were responsible for the project. Incredibly, the backbreaking work of cutting and hauling stones was done with only basic tools--the Egyptians had no wheels, pulleys or compasses. Experts believe the workers used ropes to move the stones up ramps built around the pyramids. Workers put in 10-hour shifts and received one day off every 10 days. They were housed and fed (meat, bread and beer were staples) near the building site.

According to Mountains of the Pharaohs by archeologist Zahi Hawass: "The pyramids were a national project of Egypt, symbolizing the might and power of the ruling house, ensuring the rebirth of the king as a god, and thus magically maintaining the universe as it should be; the entire country would have participated in their erection, each extended family paying their dues by sending food, materials, and manpower."

Today, the great pyramids of Giza are visited by some 3 million people annually.