Uncover 10 Mind-Blowing Facts About the Great Pyramid

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The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the oldest and most magnificent structures ever built by humankind. It attracts not only explorers and archeologists but also ordinary people, including travelers, even now as it rises above the sands of Egypt. But what is that in particular which makes this pyramid so different from many other constructions? In this article, we will present 10 Mind-Blowing Facts About the Great Pyramid that you did not know and wow will appreciate. These facts will appeal to everyone, be it a history lover or a person who is going to visit Egypt.

When Was the Great Pyramid of Giza Built?

The period of the Old Kingdom’s greatest Fourth Dynasty marks the dating of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Pharaoh Khufu (also known as Cheops) undertook this great mass during the third millennium, one hundred years earlier, in the reign of the Old Kingdom’s greatest Fourth Dynasty. That’s over 4,500 years ago! The sheer scale of the project and the precision with which the pyramid was built are testaments to the incredible engineering skills of ancient Egyptians. The pyramid was constructed as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu, and it took an estimated 20 years to complete. But that's just scratching the surface. Let’s dive deeper into some truly mind-blowing facts about this ancient marvel.

Top 10 Mind-Blowing Facts About the Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza is one structure that amazes people all over the world. The construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza over 4500 years ago showcases advancements in the engineering and construction field in ancient Egypt. This pyramid, which measured a height of 481 feet, held the record as the tallest human-made structure for over three thousand eight hundred years. The pyramid was sad to be 5.7 million tons complete with massive limestone and granite blocks of over 80-ton weight each.

Researchers think that over two hundred thousand experienced workers spent almost twenty years just constructing the temple of the Pharaoh Khufu. Even though one is in the desert region, the pyramid has the best temperature since the inside temperature is cool. Inside the pyramid, there are three grand rooms, each with its own internal purpose, adding even more enigma. The pyramid, moreover, is within another holding structure, one which is well known, being the great sphinx which is still watching over this old place. Great Pyramid of Giza is at the same time the most well-known and the earliest of the Seven Wonders which existed in the time of Ancient civilizations and of which only the Great Pyramid of Giza remains today and draws to its walls millions of tourists every year. Not even the beginning is a small fraction of the mystery and wonder that cover this magnificent structure.

The height of the Great Pyramid of Giza is 481 feet

Upon completion, the Great Pyramid reached an extraordinary height of 481 feet (146.6 meters), which made it the highest man-made structure in the world for over 3800 years. Lincoln Cathedral UK eclipsed it in height in the year 1311 AD. Although the pyramid is not as tall as it was because of weathering and the removal of case stones rendering the structure complete, its height is 139 meters today. Imagine standing at the base of this colossal structure and gazing upward — it’s truly a sight to behold!

The Pyramid Weighs Approximately 5.7 Million Tons

It’s hard to comprehend the sheer size of the Great Pyramid without understanding its weight. Experts estimate that the pyramid’s weight is a staggering 5.7 million tons! To put that into perspective, that’s equivalent to about 16 Empire State Building. Each block used in its construction weighed 2.5 tons on average, with some even reaching up to 80 tons weighing 80 tons each! Ancient Egyptians must have had incredible organizational skills and technology to move and place these massive stones with such precision.

It Might Have Taken 20 Years to Build

Building the Great Pyramid was a huge task. Some historians predict it took around 20 long years to build the Great Pyramid. The project also had a workforce that might have peaked at up to one hundred thousand workers. Most people believe these workers were all slaves, but in reality, most of them were well-fed, well-housed construction workers rather than slaves. The ancient Egyptians’ devotion and respect for their pharaohs is clear in the twenty-year construction of this grand structure.

The Great Pyramid of Giza Is More Than 4,500 Years Old

As mentioned earlier, the Great Pyramid was completed around 2560 BC, making it more than 4,500 years old. To put that in perspective, it was already ancient when the Romans were building their empire! This makes it one of the oldest structures still standing today, and a testament to the durability and craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian construction techniques.

The Great Pyramid is visited by over 14 million tourists every year

People have never stopped visiting the pyramids in Egypt and the Great Pyramid is still one of the top destinations and over 14 million people visit it every year. Tourists from all over the world fly in to see its colossal size and its rich history. If you plan to visit, it won’t be anything out of the ordinary, as millions of other people have also found inspiration to see this ancient wonder.

The Inside of The Great Pyramid

The Great Pyramid of Giza has an incredible outer part, but an unusual one lies within. The inside structure of the pyramid has several compartments and passages that include the King’s Chamber, the Queen’s Chamber, and the Grand Gallery. The builders created compartments at various levels for different purposes. One notable compartment is the burial chamber for the pharaohs, which could also be used for other members of the royal family. Archaeologists, however, remain baffled in understanding the internal structure of the pyramid with several hidden rooms remaining out of bounds, so to speak.

The Great Sphinx Protects the Pyramids

No trip to Egypt can ever be complete without seeing the Great Sphinx. It is near to the pyramids and has guarded them for centuries. Historians believe that Pharaoh Khafre, who is Khufu’s son, is a mighty figure with a lion’s body and a woman’s neck. While the Great Sphinx of Giza is shorter than the Great Pyramid of Giza, it still contributes to the aura of mystique on the Giza Plateau.

The Great Pyramid Has Three Chambers at Varying Heights

While many are familiar with the King’s and Queen’s chambers inside the Great Pyramid, there is also a lesser-known Subterranean Chamber located deep beneath it, carved out of bedrock. Although its purpose remains unknown, some believe it was abandoned during construction because of intricate architectural designs by Egyptians.

It's the Oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

The Great Pyramid is not only the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World but also the only one still standing today. While other wonders like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Colossus of Rhodes have faded into history, the Great Pyramid continues to stand as a monument to ancient ingenuity. It's incredible to think that this structure has outlasted nearly everything else built during its time.

The Inside of a Pyramid Is Often Cooler Than the Outside

One of the more surprising facts about the Great Pyramid is its remarkable internal temperature regulation. Even under scorching desert heat, its interior remains a comfortable 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). This may be thanks to the thick stone walls and its design, which help regulate it; so even during Egyptian sun blare, stepping inside offers a refreshing respite from heat and pressure.

Egypt Pyramid Travel Package

Planning a trip to Cairo, especially to visit the Great Pyramid of Giza, calls for ample preparation. Why not go for an Egypt Pyramid Travel Package instead where the pyramids tour, the Sphinx, and other sites within the vicinity of Cairo are included? A decent package will provide for much more than just the Great Pyramid. The package will also include visits to the Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo, and a cruise on the Nile to Luxor and Aswan. There are many travel companies today that provide these types of well-rounded tours so that you can make the most out of visiting Egypt in a short timeframe.

Most travel packages will also take care of the hotel accommodation, the means of transport, and a guide who will point out all the places you will be visiting. Some organized tours even include special tunnels and areas around the Great Pyramid that may not be available to sightseers. There are various options of travel packages which, if selected, can make your travel pleasant, giving you the chance to enjoy and appreciate all the attractions of Egypt with no inconveniences.

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Conclusion

The Great Pyramid of Giza is more than just a monument; it’s a symbol of human achievement, a relic of ancient engineering, and a testament to the power and influence of the Egyptian civilization. From its towering height to its mysterious interior chambers, there’s no shortage of fascinating details about this incredible structure. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone dreaming of their first visit to Egypt, the Great Pyramid is an experience that will leave you in awe.