The Great Pyramid of Giza member of
the Seven Wonders of the World
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids
in the Giza Necropolis bordering what is now Cairo, Egypt in Africa, and
is the only remaining member of the Seven Wonders of the World. The great
pyramid was created to honor the pharaoh Khufu, and many of the smaller
pyramids, tombs, and temples were built to honor Khufu's wives and family
members. Khufu was the son of King Sneferu, and Queen Hetepheres. Khufu
is remembered as a cruel and ruthless pharaoh in later folklore. Khufu
had nine sons, one of whom, Djedefra, was his immediate successor.
The pyramids of Giza are perhaps the only true rival to the Great Sphinx,
when one thinks about Ancient Egypt
and its architecture.
For centuries the Great Pyramid was completely sealed - its secrets
to be revealed when the time was right. In the beginning of the 17th century
an intrepid explorer entered the pyramid to measure its passages and chambers.
The original name Khafre is the greatest of the three.
During the Arabs' excavation of the Pyramid of Khufu, they encountered
various boulders and slabs that were used to seal the passages and chambers
within the pyramid. They also found hidden doors. This probably fueled
the many myths about the Egyptian pyramids being booby-trapped, and where
a grave robber who managed to get in would never get out alive.
It measures 454.7 ft in height. The bas is 717.5 ft - 11 acres the date
of construction was the 4th dynasty 2570 BC and the average weight of individual
blocks of Stone was 2.5 tons. There is no evidence that anyone was ever
buried in the main chamber. It is the one and only Wonder which does not
require a description by early historians and poets. It is the one and
only Wonder that does not need speculations concerning its appearance,
size, and shape. It is the oldest, yet it is the only surviving of the
Seven Ancient Wonders. It is the Great Pyramid of Giza. It is located at
the city of Giza, a necropolis of ancient Memphis, and today part of Greater
Cairo, Egypt. The great pyramid is believed to have been built over a 20
year period.
When Khufu, also known as Cheops, became pharaoh one of his first acts
was to curtail the growing power of the priesthood. He "shut up all the
temples and forbade sacrifices". As a priest’s living came from performing
these rituals it is not surprising that Khufu was unpopular with the religious
orders.
Man fears Time, yet Time fears the Pyramids
Arab proverb.