What are the Pyramids of Giza?

Have you ever heard of the pyramids of Giza? Wondered how they were built and why they were built? Then this is the place to look! The pyramids of Giza are located in Northern Egypt and are the biggest pyramids in the world as well as one of the seven wonders of the world.

The pyramid of Giza is the most famous and largest pyramid that is in Egypt alongside with the two other famous pyramids of Giza. The pyramid of Giza stands at 450 feet today but originally stood at 481 feet. Scientists estimate that each block weighs 2 tons (4,000 pounds) but the ones that weigh more weigh 15 tons (30,000 pounds) each. According to National Geographic, “The monumental tombs are relics of Egypt’s Old Kingdom era and were constructed some 4,500 years ago” and the pyramids are still standing today!

Who built the pyramids? This is the most asked question when researching the pyramids of Giza because they are so impressively built that scientists are not so sure how exactly they were built. From what they know the builders of the pyramids were skilled people who were well-fed Egyptians and lived nearby. Historians in the past were said to believe that the workers were slaves and forced into labor but archaeologists found this to not be true. According to History,  “it took 20 years to build and required the labor of 100,000 men.” About 2.3 million blocks of stone were used to build Khufu’s Great pyramid.

Seventh grader Sofia Cecilio said, “When I was small I thought the aliens built the pyramids because of how tall they are but I guess that was not true.” 

The building of the first pyramid began in 2550 B.C. by Pharaoh Khufu (Sneferu who was the first king of the fourth dynasty’s son). The second pyramid of Giza begun in 2520 B.C. by Pharaoh Khafre (the son of Khufu). According to Smithsonian, “Also located at Giza is the famous Sphinx, a massive statue of a lion with a human head, carved during the time of Khafre” which means the second pyramid was built along with the Sphinx a monument. The last pyramid of Giza was built in 2490 B.C. by Pharaoh Menkaure and was much smaller than the other two, standing at 213 feet. 

The Pyramids of Giza were built for the pharaohs who expected to be gods after they died in the next world. So for the pharaohs to be ready for the afterlife, they built big pyramid tombs for themselves. The pyramids were filled with stuff the pharaohs will need in the afterlife. Inside the pyramids was the tomb art of ancient farmers working in fields, carpentry, costumes, religious rituals, burial practices, and more.