The great pyramids of Giza were built around 2700-2500 BC as tombs for the
pharoahs (rulers of ancient Egypt, who held the status of gods on earth ). The
Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops to the Greeks) is the largest,pictured here in
the center of the photograph, it covers 13 acres. It was constructed of around
2.3 million stones and each of the stones weigh from 2 to 30 tons each. The
granite slab that is the roof of Khufu's burial chamber weighs 50 tons in
itself. Khufu's pyramid stands about 450 feet (137 meters) high. It is also in
almost complete form, despite being the World’s oldest Wonder. The pyramid of
King Chephren is behind Khufu's and the pyramid of King Mycerinus is in front.
The three smaller pyramids in the front were built for King Mycerinus’ three
wives. These monumental pyramids are precisely oriented to the four cardinal
points. Today the city of Cairo reaches almost to the foot of the pyramids, but
when the pyramids were built, they were in the middle of the desert. The Great
Pyramids of Giza still have a strong impact on humanity. The impact is best
summed up in this ancient Arab proverb: "Man fears Time, yet Time fears the
pyramid."
