The undisputed highlight of our trip to Egypt was visiting the Pyramids of Giza. It was an indescribable feeling to stand there by these structures, which have been among the wonders of the world for thousands of years, and have defied both time and people. Our guide told us about their construction in fascinating detail. The huge amount of stone that was brought here and fitted together with millimeter precision is beyond comprehension.
The story of Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops) was particularly interesting. While colossal statues of other rulers have survived, the only authentic representation of the man who built the world’s largest pyramid is a single ivory statuette, barely a few centimeters long, that has survived to posterity. This tiny find stands in stark contrast to the mountain of stone towering above it.
We also went inside one of the pyramids – as we walked through the narrow corridors, I was both amazed and incredulous. It was strange to think of the primitive techniques and Bronze Age tools used to create these gigantic works. But even more strange was the motivation, the immense faith and will that enabled the people of that time to perform such superhuman work for generations.
The Great Pyramid (Pyramid of Khufu/Cheops)
This is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids, its original height reaching 146 meters. It was completed around 2560 BC as the resting place of Pharaoh Khufu. It consists of nearly 2.3 million stone blocks, which weigh an average of 2.5 tons. Its special feature is that inside it there are chambers not only underground but also in the superstructure (the King and Queen’s Chamber), as well as the impressive Great Gallery. For more than 3800 years, it was the tallest building in the world.
Pyramid of Khafre (Khephren)
The second largest pyramid was built by Khufu’s son. Although it is shorter than his father’s, because it was built on a higher bedrock, it often appears larger than it. This is the only pyramid on the top of which a piece of the original, smooth, polished limestone cladding can still be seen today. This helps to imagine how dazzlingly white these buildings must have shone in the desert sun in their heyday.
Pyramid of Menkaure (Mukerinos)
This is the smallest of the three, only 65 meters high. It was built by Menkaure, Khafre’s son, at the end of the 4th dynasty. While its upper parts were covered with limestone, the lower third was covered with red granite. Although it is smaller than its peers, the temple complexes connected to it and its interior design represent outstanding artistic value.
The minor pyramids
In addition to the great pyramids, there are several smaller, so-called “queen pyramids”. These were built for the wives or close relatives of the rulers. Although many of them now look more like ruins, they are important parts of the necropolis, as they are surrounded by mastabas (noble tombs) where the most important officials of the era rest.
The Great Sphinx
The Sphinx is one of the largest and oldest statues in the world carved from a single block of stone (limestone). It depicts the body of a lion and the head of a man (probably the pharaoh Khafre), symbolizing strength and wisdom. It has been swallowed by sand several times throughout history and was only completely excavated in the early 20th century. Although its nose and beard have been lost over the centuries, it still stands majestically guarding the way to the pyramids.
