The Pyramids of Giza have mystified even the most educated scholars, historians and scientists for years. From the astrological connections, perfect symmetry and far advanced technology for the period, they truly are magnificent structures. While there are still plenty of questions to be answered on exactly how and why these pyramids came about over 4,000 years ago, some things are for certain. Here are seven facts about The Pyramids of Giza.
Incredible Facts About The Pyramids of Giza
1. They Are The Oldest And Last Remaining Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World
The Pyramids of Giza are the sole remaining wonders of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. This roster once included Colossus of Rhodes, Lighthouse of Alexandria and the Temple of Artemis, all of which have perished.
2. There are over 100 more
While the three pyramids of Giza are the most famous and definitely the most impressive, there are approximately 120 pyramids from ancient Egypt in the area. Among these are the Pyramid of Meidum, the Red Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Unas.
3. The Great Pyramid Is Made Up Of Two Million Stones
That’s right, approximately 2.5 million stones ranging from two to over fifty tons make up The Great Pyramid. Even more impressive, many of the stones weren’t sourced locally, but rather cut and brought from more than 500 miles away in Aswan.
4. The Pyramids Are Intertwined With Astronomy
Ancient Egyptian astronomers aligned the pyramids with certain stars in the night sky. Namely, Orions Belt. The Great Pyramid, along with its two sidekicks, Mekaure and Khafre align with the belt of three stars in the Orion constellation. In addition to the celestial alignment, there is a polar one as well. The three pyramids of Giza are in near-perfect alignment with the cardinal points of North, South, East and West.
5. Egyptian Pyramids Were Built On The West Bank For A Reason
All Egyptian pyramids, including Giza’s, are set on the west bank of the Nile, and not by chance. The reasoning for this is that the sun sets or ‘dies’ in the west every night, making it an appropriate location for the tomb of a pharaoh. This was not only a metaphorical reason but a literal one as well. Pharaohs and ancient Egyptians alike believed that by resting in the west, they’d have a smoother journey to the afterlife.
6. They Aren’t The Oldest Pyramids In Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza were finished more than 4,500 years ago, but nearly a half a century prior, the earliest pyramids in Egypt had already been built. In fact, the first completed pyramid was the Red Pyramid of Sneferu constructed in 2620 BC predating the pyramids of Giza by about 50 years.
7. The Great Pyramid Was The World’s Tallest Structure For Thousands Of Years
Lastly, The Great Pyramid towers at 146.5 meters (481 feet) and was the tallest man-made structure for 3,800 years. This title was taken with the construction of Lincoln Cathedral in 1311 AD, nearly four thousand years later. Undoubtedly not a bad running steak, if you ask us.