The Great Pyramids of Giza.

Think about Egypt. What comes to mind? The dry, golden desert sand, the flowing Nile River, the great Sphinx, elaborate costumes and culture, and the great Pyramids of Giza (also known as the Giza Necropolis). These marvelous wonders have enduring through time and erosion and radiate power and beauty still today. But, how were magnificent artifacts built? Why are they so important to Egyptian culture? And most importantly, what are they for?

"From atop these pyramids, forty centuries look down upon you."
- Napoleon Bonaparte, 1798

The Great Pyramids are made up of three main pyramids and are surrounded by many littler ones. the three main ones are; Kahfre, Kuhfu and Menkaure. These great monuments of Egyptian culture are located only a few miles away from the city of Cairo. Egypt has built up around them, they have been standing for hundreds of years. These pyramids are the last of the 7 wonders of the world. (Haffner)

In ancient Egypt, Pharaohs ruled with an iron fist and were revered in the highest. These leaders were the shapers of ancient Egypt. The second that these men were in power, the first commanded to have a grand burial site built. A grand site, such as the pyramids. These pyramids are full of artifacts and sarcophagi. The pyramids are temples of the after life. (Speilvogel, 37)
Originally, the pyramids were covered in a shiny limestone. This smooth surface reflected the sun and caused the pyramids to look
heavenly. Most of this covering has been has been disintegrated or has been stolen. The only remaining limestone is on top of the pyramid of Kuhfu and even that has been battling with erosion. These pyramids were made of stacked stones, giving way to a pyramid shape.

"Packing blocks are stacked until the dimensions were right, and then finishing blocks (usually limestone) were the last touch." (source)

In conclusion, these grand structures have passed the test of time and are still admired and revered today. Without these pyramids, Egyptian culture wouldn't be the same. These artifacts are full of mystery and wonder, there is so much to be learned from these magnificent stone monuments.

Haffner, Craig and Donna E. Lusitana. Mummies and the Wonders of Ancient Egypt. A&E Television Network: New York, 1996.

Speilvogel, Jackson J. World History; The Human Odyssey. National Textbook Company: Illinois. (no date given)