It is the one and only Wonder which does not require a description by early historians and poets. It is the one and only
Wonder that does not need speculations concerning its appearance, size, and shape. It is the oldest, yet it is the only surviving
of the Seven Ancient Wonders. It is the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Wonder that does not need speculations concerning its appearance, size, and shape. It is the oldest, yet it is the only surviving
of the Seven Ancient Wonders. It is the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Location:
At the city of Giza, a necropolis of ancient Memphis, and today part of Greater Cairo, Egypt.
At the city of Giza, a necropolis of ancient Memphis, and today part of Greater Cairo, Egypt.
History
Contrary to the common belief, only the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), not all three Great Pyramids, is on top of the list
of Wonders. The monument was built by the Egyptian pharaoh Khufu of the Fourth Dynasty around the year 2560 BC to serve
as a tomb when he dies. The tradition of pyramid building started in Ancient Egypt as a sophistication of the idea of a
mastaba or "platform" covering the royal tomb. Later, several stacked mastabas were used. Early pyramids, such as the Step
Pyramid of King Zoser (Djoser) at Saqqara by the famous Egyptian architect, Imhotep, illustrate this connection.
Contrary to the common belief, only the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), not all three Great Pyramids, is on top of the list
of Wonders. The monument was built by the Egyptian pharaoh Khufu of the Fourth Dynasty around the year 2560 BC to serve
as a tomb when he dies. The tradition of pyramid building started in Ancient Egypt as a sophistication of the idea of a
mastaba or "platform" covering the royal tomb. Later, several stacked mastabas were used. Early pyramids, such as the Step
Pyramid of King Zoser (Djoser) at Saqqara by the famous Egyptian architect, Imhotep, illustrate this connection.
The great pyramid is believed to have been built over a 20 year period. The site was first prepared, and blocks of stone were
transported and placed. An outer casing (which disappeared over the years) was then used to smooth the surface. Although it
is not known how the blocks were put in place, several theories have been proposed. One theory involves the construction of
a straight or spiral ramp that was raised as the construction proceeded. This ramp, coated with mud and water, eased the
displacement of the blocks which were pushed (or pulled) into place. A second theory suggests that the blocks were placed
transported and placed. An outer casing (which disappeared over the years) was then used to smooth the surface. Although it
is not known how the blocks were put in place, several theories have been proposed. One theory involves the construction of
a straight or spiral ramp that was raised as the construction proceeded. This ramp, coated with mud and water, eased the
displacement of the blocks which were pushed (or pulled) into place. A second theory suggests that the blocks were placed
