Great Pyramid of Giza

Great Pyramid of Giza

 

 

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in Giza, Cairo on the bank of the river Nile in Egypt. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to have existed till now. It was built 2500 years ago, in 2560–2540 BC probably as a tomb for the fourth dynasty Egyptian pharaoh Khufu. Khufu's vizier ( minister), Hemon, or Hemiunu, is said to be the architect of this Great Pyramid. Hemiunu was a relative of Khufu, and is known as a prince and sealer of the king of Egypt. The purpose of the pyramids was to hold and protect the bodies of the pharaohs after death and they were also used to hold jewels, gold, treasures, mummies and other precious items.

The word Pyramid comes from a Greek word, Pyramis, meaning wheat cake as they reminded the people of Greece of a pointed topped wheat cake. The Egyptians called the stractures "Mer". The shape represented the sun rays and the sun was the god "Ra". The sides were sloped so the Pharao could climb to heaven and live forever.

 

 

The construction materials used were low grade limestone for the pyramid core, while fine white limetone was used for the outer and interior walls. Pink granite was also used on inner walls. Basalt or alabaster was commonly used. Limestone could be found in nearby places like Giza and Dahshur. Pink granite, basalt and alabaster were probably brought from Aswan on the River Nile. Animals or humans were used to carry these materials to the building site.

It is assumed that at least 20,000 workers may have been involved on this massive project. Some of them were free men working as masons, tool makers, carpenters, scribes and overseers. Many were unskilled slave labourers. A town was built for the free workers where they were given houses, food, clothing and medical care. A low quality accommodation was provided for the slaves workers.

The transportation of bricks and stones was a great problem but with dedication and hard efforts it was overcome, as they carried heavy stones and bricks to the upper levels of the pyramid.

 

 

To me, the Pyramid of Giza stands for the briliance of the ancient Egyptian culture and its ability to work with stone using the oldest tools and slave workers. It is a symbol for the historical importance of a land and people who faced invasions (attacks) by many different people and cultures, but somehow maintained a unique Egyptian life style. We can simply say that Egypt is like no other land on this earth.

So while The Great Pyramid stands as a wondarful reminder of an interesting past, it also symbolises the will power and determination of the Egyptian people, that they too will always maintain their identity.

Today, the importance of the pyramids is mainly about archeologists and the tourist industry. The Egyptian Tourism Ministry reported 12 million visitors in 2012 and this figure is set to increase in coming years. People see it as a great holiday destination nowadays.

 

References:

1-      Great Pyramid of Giza - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved May 5, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Pyramid_of

 

2-      Great Pyramid of Giza Research Association. (n.d.). Great Pyramid of Giza Research Association. Retrieved May 5, 2013, from http://www.gizapyramid.com/

 

3-      National Geographic: Egypt--Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza. (n.d.). National Geographic - Inspiring People to Care About the Planet Since 1888. Retrieved May 5, 2013, from http://www.nationalgeographic.com/pyramids

4-      The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. (n.d.). Egypt Pyramids Pharaohs Hieroglyphs - Mark Millmore's Ancient Egypt. Retrieved May 5, 2013, from http://www.discoveringegypt.com/pyramid3.htm

 

5-      Mosaics, z. (n.d.). Giza Pyramids - Giza, Egypt. Sacred Sites and Religious Travel - Sacred Destinations. Retrieved May 5, 2013, from http://www.sacred-destinations.com/egypt/giza-pyramids

 

6-      Egyptian Pyramids — History.com Articles, Video, Pictures and Facts. (n.d.). History.com — History Made Every Day — American & World History. Retrieved May 5, 2013, from http://www.history.com/topics/the-egyptian-pyramids