10 Things You Didn't Know About the Great Pyramids of Giza

Introduction

The Great Pyramids of Giza are one of the most iconic and well-known structures in the world. They were built over 4,500 years ago as tombs for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. The pyramids are a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians, and they continue to fascinate people to this day.

10 Interesting Facts

1. The pyramids were not built by slaves. The pyramids were built by paid workers who were skilled craftsmen.
2. The pyramids were made of limestone blocks. The limestone blocks were quarried from a nearby quarry and transported to the pyramid site.
3. The pyramids were built from the inside out. The ancient Egyptians started by building the inner chambers of the pyramid and then gradually added the outer layers.
4. The pyramids were originally covered in a white limestone casing. The casing has since eroded away, but it is still visible in some places.
5. The pyramids were built with great precision. The sides of the pyramids are aligned with the cardinal points of the compass, and the angles of the pyramids are perfectly calculated.
6. The pyramids were built without the use of metal tools. The ancient Egyptians used copper chisels and stone hammers to shape the limestone blocks.
7. The pyramids were built over a period of 20 years. The Great Pyramid of Giza took 20 years to build, and the other two pyramids took about 10 years each.
8. The pyramids were originally used as tombs. The pharaohs were buried in the inner chambers of the pyramids.
9. The pyramids are now a popular tourist destination. Millions of people visit the pyramids each year.
10. The pyramids are still a source of mystery. There are still many unanswered questions about the pyramids, including how they were built and what their exact purpose was.

Conclusion

The Great Pyramids of Giza are a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians. They are one of the most iconic and well-known structures in the world, and they continue to fascinate people to this day.