Top 10 Interesting Facts About Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza are famously known as the most fascinating architectural wonders of the world that were built over 4,500 years ago. Did you know these massive structures once held the record of being the tallest buildings in the world for nearly 4,000 years? Fascinating, right? If you are also someone who is curious to know more about these amazing pyramids, then read on further, as we have 10 Interesting Facts About Pyramids of Giza. From their mind-boggling construction secrets to astronomical alignments, they have continued to impress travelers after thousands of years. 

1. Who Built The Pyramids of Giza - Three Pharaohs Over 4,500 years ago 

Let’s start with the first question that comes to our mind: who built these pyramids of Giza? Well, the 3 pyramids of Giza were built by three Fourth Dynasty pharaohs - Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure approximately between 2600-2500 BC. The oldest and largest is the Great Pyramid of Khufu, which originally stood 481 feet tall and now shrunk and stands at 454 feet. The Pyramid of Khafre was built a little later and reaches 448 feet in height, and the smaller pyramid of Menkaure stands at 213 feet. These ancient rulers believed that they were direct descendants of the Sun God Ra, which influenced the precise location and design of the pyramids. 

2. Perfect Astronomical Alignment Points Of the Pyramids of Giza 

Another fun fact about the pyramids of Giza that makes their place unbelievable is that the great pyramids of Giza are perfectly aligned with astronomical precision. But how? All three pyramids line up with the cardinal directions of north, south, east and west. The accuracy is better than four minutes of arc, which is incredibly fascinating for the 4,500-year-old construction. What makes this even more interesting is that the southeastern corners of all three structures align diagonally, pointing directly towards the Temple of Ra at Heliopolis and the constellation Orion. The pyramids of Giza also align with the sun’s movement during equinoxes. 

3. The Great Sphinx Guards the Pyramids of Giza Complex

Standing guard over the Pyramids of Giza is one of the world’s most recognisable monuments, the Great Sphinx. It was carved from a single massive piece of limestone about 4,500 years ago. The incredible statue measures 73 meters long, 20 meters high and 19 meters wide at its back end. The Sphinx is basically a giant structure of the head of a human, sticking out with a lion’s body, which represents royal power and authority. 

4. Chamber System Inside the Pyramids of Giza

Inside the pyramids of Giza, architects designed a network of passages, chambers and galleries which showcase Egyptian engineering mastery. The Great Pyramid contains three chambers, which are cut into bedrock: the Queen’s Chamber and the King’s Chamber, and all are connected by ascending and descending passages. Walking through these chambers today, you will see inscriptions and architectural details that tell you the stories about ancient Egyptian beliefs. These rooms were carefully designed to house the pharaoh's sarcophagus and all the burial goods he would need for his journey to the afterlife. Sound’s amazing, right? So, book your flights to Egypt now and explore these chambers. 

5. Temperature Control System Creates Cool Interiors

Here’s one of the most surprising fun facts about the pyramids of Giza: that they are basically ancient air conditioners! The temperatures inside the pyramids stay around 20°C even during Egypt's blistering summers. Recent research has also revealed that the horizontal passages in the Great Pyramid were designed as sophisticated evaporating cooling systems. This temperature control shows that the ancient Egyptians understood thermodynamic principles and applied them in different ways. 

6. The Pyramids of Giza Were Originally Brilliant White, Not Sandy Stone

Yes, you read that right! The Pyramids of Giza didn't always look like the weathered, sandy-colored monuments that you see today. Originally, they were covered in brilliant white limestone that made them shine like enormous mirrors in the desert sun. Imagine how beautiful these pyramids were when they were gleaming white and topped with golden capstones that sparkled and could be seen from miles away. 

7. The Pyramids of Giza Location

Did you know the Pyramids of Giza location was chosen because 4,500 years ago it bordered a 64-kilometer branch of the Nile called the Ahramat Branch? This 200 to 700 metres wide river helped the workers to transport the big stones to the construction site.  And now, Giza is in the northern region of Egypt, which is the third-largest city in Egypt. 

8. Heights Of The Pyramids of Giza 

One of our favourite fun facts about the Pyramids of Giza is that while the Pyramid of Giza is the tallest of the 3 pyramids of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre appears taller. Wondering why? That’s because the Pyramid of Khafre was built on the bedrock that is 33 feet higher than the foundation of the Pyramid of Khufu. So, book your flights to Egypt now and click an amazing photo of this UNESCO World Heritage site from any angle. 

9. The Three Pharaohs' Pyramids Are Not The Only Pyramids 

When you are planning to explore places to visit in Egypt, you should know that these towering Pyramids of Giza are not the only ones. There are smaller pyramids which are located south of the Pyramid of Menkure, collectively known as the Queen’s pyramids. It is presumed that these pyramids were the burial sites of the wives and sisters of the great Pharaohs who built the pyramids. Another wonder that you can visit on your trip to Egypt is the Step Pyramid of Djoser, which was built 89 years before the 3 Great Pyramids. Mindblowing, right?

10. The Great Pyramids of Giza Were Not Built By Slaves 

You will be shocked to know that the great pyramids of Giza were built by skilled professional workers and not enslaved people. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the entire workers' lives in the village (Heit-el-Ghurab) near the Giza complex, complete with bakeries, hospitals, and cemeteries. The workforce consists of skilled craftsmen, stonemasons and many more who were paid for their work. When you visit the pyramids of Giza, you can see dormitory-style housing and artisan workshops, which show that they were very organised. 

Conclusion

If you are still wondering why you should visit the Great Pyramid of Giza, then we hope that these interesting facts have blown your mind away. Visiting these architectural wonders feels like you have touched the past. So, book your flights to Egypt with Experian Airfare now and explore these ancient wonders of the world. 

FAQs

Q- Who built the pyramids of Giza?

The Pyramids of Giza were built by ancient Egyptians specifically during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. The Great Pyramid was built by Pharaoh Khufu, and the other two pyramids, Khafre and Menkaure, were built for his son and grandson. 

Q- What is inside the Pyramids of Giza?

The interiors of the Great Pyramids of Giza contain various corridors, chambers of the king and queen, many hidden passageways, the Grand Gallery, and a granite sarcophagus. 

Q- What is the best time to visit the Pyramids of Giza?

The best time to visit the Pyramids of Giza is during the winter months, ideally between October and March, when the weather is relatively mild and better for outdoor activities. Summers in Egypt are very hot, which makes it difficult to explore these pyramids with ease.