GREAT PYRAMID OF GIZA (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: A mysterious L-shaped structure has been observed underground in the western cemetery of Giza.

Great Pyramid of Giza

• About: It is also known as the Great Pyramid and the Great Pyramid of Khufu, stands as an iconic symbol of ancient Egyptian architecture and engineering prowess.
• Location: Situated on the Giza plateau, approximately five miles west of the Nile River, near Cairo, Egypt, the pyramid commands attention with its strategic placement.
• Built by:  Khufu (Cheops), the second king of Egypt's 4th dynasty, the construction of the Great Pyramid began around 2580 BC and concluded around 2560 BC, marking a monumental feat of ancient craftsmanship.
• Historical Significance: Holding the title of the tallest human-made structure for over 3,000 years until the construction of the Eiffel Tower in 1889, the Great Pyramid remains a testament to ancient ingenuity and architectural mastery.
• Exploration: The pyramid's excavation using modern techniques commenced in 1880 under the guidance of British archaeologist Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie.
• Features

o Standing approximately 455 feet tall today, with each side measuring around 755 feet at the base, the Great Pyramid boasts over two million stone blocks, each weighing over 2000 pounds.

o Within the pyramid lie three significant chambers: the King's Chamber, the Queen's Chamber, and the Grand Gallery, connected by intricate tunnels and air shafts.

o Comprised primarily of yellowish limestone blocks for its core and finer, light-colored limestone for the inner passages, the pyramid's interior burial chamber is constructed of massive granite blocks, underscoring the grandeur of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship.