10 Astonishing Facts About Giza Pyramids!

1- The first and biggest pyramid was built by the great Pharaoh Khufu at around 2550 BCE. It is considered the Great Pyramid truly. The second one is smaller in size and was built by the son of Khufu, Khafre and the third and smallest one was built by Khafre’s son, Pharaoh Menkaure.

2- Contrary to popular belief, the size of the pyramid wasn’t related to status. Actually, it was indicative of a weakening economy. As Egypt continued to expend money on grander infrastructure, fewer resources were allocated for the pyramids themselves.

3- Until today, no one is entirely sure how exactly the pyramids were built. However, scientists and scholars now know that the builders were in fact Egyptian skilled workers who lives in nearby housing.

4- Today the Giza area is generally barren but during the time of the pyramids, the area was brimming with temples, shops, homes and even a lively market.

5- It is believed that the pyramids were built from huge blocks carved from stone quarries with each block weighing from 2.5 to 15 tons!

6- The pyramids were completely covered with stone casing made of gleaming white limestone.

7- The pyramids face north. It’s unclear how the ancient Egyptians were able to achieve such precision.

8- For 3,871 years the Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure until the construction of the Lincoln Cathedral in England in 1311.

9- Khaemweset the son of Rameses II, is actually considered the first Egyptologist.

10- In 1798, Napoleon landed in Egypt with a team of scholars who compiled the first comprehensive history of Ancient Egypt, still popular until today.