For over 4000 years, the Pyramids at Giza have attracted visitors with their size, grandeur and mystery. Many secrets about these magnificent structures remain, built to withstand eternity. They seem with no hurry to reveal them.

 

To the ancient Egyptians, the pyramids were both tombs and individual units within the vast temple network. They were holy sites tended by royal priests, built to safeguard the worldly remains of the Pharaohs from thieves. And transport them into the afterlife.

 

The largest, the Great Pyramid of Khufu today stands almost 450 feet tall. Thousands of workers labored to build the Pyramid for the Pharaoh Khufu who reigned about 25 B.C. Over 2 million stone blocks were used, each averaging about 2.5 tons. Despite that size, experts believe it took perhaps only 20 years to complete. The middle pyramid, the tomb of the Pharaoh Khafra, is guarded by the Great Sphinx which stands near the pyramid’s causeway. Carved out of a single block of limestone, the 240 foot long statue combines the body of a lion and a head of a man most likely the face of the pharaoh Khafra himself.

The last of the three great pyramids is the tomb of the pharaoh Menkaura.

 

Many other tombs and temples are packed into this massive necropolis, which is still a working archeological dig. Here scientists continue to make new discoveries that add to our knowledge of ancient Egypt. Many tombs are open for the public to review, with hieroglyphs and carved relieves depicting ancient Egyptian life.

 

If you are willing to make steep climbs and navigate tight corners, you can even explore the passage ways of the great pyramid. Tickets to venturing site are limited to 300 people per day. So show up earlier if you want the grand tour.  Beside itself is just outside of Cario and easily accessible by taxi or bus. To avoid the crowds, arrive in the early morning or early evening. Staying late also has its advantages, find a good vantage point and you can watch the sun set over the pyramids. It’s the sight that’s been inspiring visitors for over 4000 years.