Egyptian Pyramids

Remnants of a Rich Civilization

The ancient Egyptian pyramids have fascinated the archeologists and historians for ages. The pyramids
were built during the era when the Egyptian civilization was one of the most powerful civilizations in the
world. These magnificent man-made structures that have stood the test of time for thousands of years
have been inducted into the Seven Wonders of the modern World.

Egyptians Pharaohs and Afterlife

The idea behind these massive conical figures was to represent the larger-than-life role that pharaohs
played in ancient Egyptian civilization. The Egyptian kings held sacred status in the Egyptian society and
were believed to be chosen by Gods themselves to act as mediators on Earth. People believed that the
pharaohs became Osiris, God of the afterlife, after their death. Because of this belief, it was imperative
to keep their sacredness intact beyond their death.

To prepare the pharaohs for the next world, people constructed tombs and stocked them with
necessary items, they believed, each pharaoh would need in his afterlife. Ample evidence of this practice
is found in the mummies, sarcophagi, and other items found in the pyramids.

The First Giza Pyramid Project

Some pyramids are a whole architectural complex consisting of many structures. They were built over a
span of 2700 years, from the start of the Old Kingdom till the end of the Ptolemaic period. Of the more
than 100 pyramids found in different locations, the Pyramids of Giza near Cairo are the most famous.
The first pyramids are believed to have been erected circa 2550 BC. Pharaoh Khufu initiated the first
Giza Pyramid Project. His pyramid at Giza stands at a towering 481 feet and ascends the height of the
plateau.

Pharaoh Khafre, Khufu’s son, erected the second pyramid at Giza circa 2520 BC. The necropolis featured
the sphinx, the limestone statue of a mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion.

Pharaoh Menkaure built the third pyramid circa 2490 BC, which was considerably smaller than its
preceding structures.

The Construction and Architecture of Pyramids

Most pyramids have a rectangular base with four sloping triangular or trapezoidal sides meeting at an
apex. The pyramids’ sides were deliberately kept smooth and angled to symbolize the rays of the sun.
They were designed to help the king’s soul ascend to heaven to meet the Gods, particularly the sun god,
Ra.

Many historians have tried to fathom the brilliance of those who constructed these monumental
structures. To this day, it is a mystery how such a feat was possible thousands of years ago.

Most pyramids were made by native Egyptian laborers out of mud brick or limestone, the most readily
available materials. Modern Egyptologists believe it took a task-force of 20,000 to 30,000 workers to
complete this job. Archaeological evidence suggests the construction took place with a well-organized
system under a strong central authority.

The Legacy of the Pyramids

Ancient Egyptians had passed on, but the pyramids have much to say about what transpired in the
Pharaonic civilization. The pyramids not only tell the story of how Egyptian rulers died but also how they
lived. They hold many truths about the various aspects of their life, including their religious rituals, burial
practices, food, clothing, jewelry, and even their livestock.

The decorated tombs show inscriptions and text that evoke images of the long lost civilization. These
writings also say much about Egyptian language, script, and grammar. In fact, it is suggested that any
and every aspect of Egyptian culture can be found on the tomb walls of Giza.

Present Day Pyramids

The pyramids have been a popular tourist attraction in Egypt, although the surge of tourism slumped
with the advent of the Arab Spring in 2011. However, the magnificent structures continue to fascinate
visitors and historians alike for their brilliant architecture and construction, giving insight into the
civilization’s rich and glorious past.