The Pyramids Of Giza

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The Pyramids of Giza: Giza
The Pyramids of Giza are some of the greatest man-made structures in history. Still standing today the Pyramids provide a glimpse into Egypt’s rich and glorious past ("Egyptian Pyramids - Ancient History - HISTORY.com," n.d.).
Pyramids were not built for architectural reasons, but for religious reasons. Ancient Egyptians believed in life after death. Housing the dead of those they worshipped, the pyramids were meant to protect the deceased and provide them with the necessities they would need in the afterlife. It is thought that the pyramids came about centuries ago in ancient Egypt and various parts of Asia (“Tomb” Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition (2016). Our ancient ancestors would bury their dead
This Pyramid is also known to us today as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Taking twenty years to complete its completion was around 2560 BC, this pyramid would be built from huge stone blocks weighing approximately two tons each and be built almost perfectly facing north. Many theories exist in how these massive stone blocks got to their final resting place. Some think that Khufu enslaved his people to move these blocks or Egyptian farmers unable to farm their land due to flooding of the Nile helped move the blocks, and then yet another theory was that Egyptian residents were paid labor, helping in the construction of this Wonder. 2.3 million Blocks were used in the construction of the Great Pyramid. Once complete it reached 481 feet in height and would span 13.1 acres. To put that into perspective, that would be approximately thirteen American football
The valley temple would also include; passageways, courtyard, chambers, columns, and storerooms.
Statues of Khafre could be found throughout this complex. The most recognizable by the world today would be The Great Sphinx. Carved out of bedrock, The Great Sphinx is a representation of Ra-Harakhte, the sun god. The Sphinx is half lion half man whose face bears the likeness of Khafre himself.
The final pyramid at Giza, known as Menkaure, would be built by Khafre’s son Menkaura. Meant to be the last great monument due to its placement of its valley temple at the mouth of the main wadi. It is the smallest of the pyramids located at Giza, standing 228 feet in height. The lower two tiers were built using red granite, the remaining limestone. The pyramid complex would not be finished by Menkaura due to his unexpected death. Menkaura’s heir, Shepseskaf would later complete the pyramid complex using mud

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