When we think of Egypt, the first thing that comes to mind is the pyramids. In particular, the three great pyramids of GizaAncient EgyptIt is a symbol of civilization and attracts tourists from all over the world.
So in this article,We provide information on the attractions, history, and access to the three great pyramids of Giza.Whether you have plans to go there in the future or not, I hope you enjoy the experience and feel like you've actually been there.
What are the three great pyramids of Giza?
Here, we will first provide a detailed explanation of the basic information about the three great pyramids of Giza, including their history and construction techniques.
The three pyramids of Giza are World Heritage Sites
The area around Memphis, including the three great pyramids of Giza,The Memphis Pyramid Fields are registered as a World Heritage Site.Among them, the three great pyramids of Giza areOver 4,500 years of historyhavingThe only surviving structure of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient WorldTherefore, it is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in human history.
History of the Great Pyramids of Giza
Memphis, home to the three great pyramids of Giza,Ancient EgyptIt was the capital of the Old Kingdom (around 2650 BC to 2120 BC), and it is believed that the first pyramid was built by King Djoser of the 3rd Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. They replaced the mastaba tombs that were made of sun-dried bricks before the Old Kingdom.Pyramids are the burial grounds of kingsThey were built one after another.
There are more than 38 pyramids and other structures scattered around Memphis from Giza to Dahshur, but the most famous of these are the three great pyramids of Giza:
- Pyramid of Khufu: The largest pyramid, built around 2580 BC
- Pyramid of KhafreBuilt by Khafre, son of Khufu
- Pyramid of Menkaure: Built by King Menkaure, grandson of King Khufu. The smallest of the three great pyramids.
How the pyramids were built remains a mystery
It is built by stacking large stonesAncient EgyptIt is said that tens of thousands of people were involved in the construction of the pyramids, but the exact method by which the large stones were stacked remains a mystery.How it was built is a mysteryIn recent years, the remains of laborer lodgings have been discovered in the surrounding area, which suggests that the construction was carried out as a kind of public work project to mobilize people during the farming off-season.
The appeal of the three great pyramids of Giza
From here, I would like to introduce the charms of each of the three great pyramids.
The Pyramid of Khufu is the largest and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The Pyramid of Khufu is the largest pyramid located on the Giza Plateau in Egypt and is known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Built around 2580 BC, it was built by Pharaoh Khufu (Kheops) of the 4th Dynasty of Egypt. The base of the pyramid is 230.4 meters square, and the original height was 146.6 meters, but it is now 138.8 meters.
The pyramid is made up of approximately 2.3 million limestone blocks, each weighing between 2.5 and 15 tons. This gigantic structure symbolizes the power of Khufu and the advanced technological capabilities of Egyptian civilization. The pyramid is also called "Khufu of the Horizon" and was built to convey the majesty and divinity of Khufu.
The Pyramid of Khafre was built by Khufu's son
The Pyramid of Khafre is the second largest of the three great pyramids of Giza. It was built by Khafre, the son of Khufu, and completed between 2558 and 2532 BC. Its original height was 143.5 metres, but its present height is 136.4 metres.
The Pyramid of Khafre is located southwest of the Pyramid of Khufu and has a unique feature in that it still has some of its limestone exterior at the top, giving a glimpse into how beautiful and glorious the pyramid must have been. It also has a steeper slope than the other two, giving it a more powerful appearance.
In front of the Pyramid of Khafre stands the Great Sphinx, one of the most famous monuments in Egypt. The Great Sphinx is a huge statue with a lion's body and a human head, and is said to have been made to resemble the face of Pyramid Khafre. The Sphinx symbolizes the authority and divinity of Pyramid Khafre, and has a strong connection to the pyramids.
Menkaure's pyramid is the smallest
The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three great pyramids on the Giza Plateau. It was built by the Fourth Dynasty Egyptian pharaoh Menkaure (2532-2503 BC). The pyramid's base is 102.2 meters square, and its original height was 65.5 meters, but its current height is about 61 meters.
The Pyramid of Menkaure is smaller than the other two pyramids, but it is characterized by its elaborate architecture and beautiful appearance. Granite is partially used for the outer wall of the pyramid, giving it a unique style from the other pyramids. In addition, sub-pyramids were built around the pyramid for the family and high officials of Pyramid Menkaure.
Why the Great Pyramids of Giza were designated a World Heritage Site
The area around Memphis, including the three great pyramids of Giza, is registered as a World Heritage Site as the "Memphis Pyramid Fields," but let's take a look at the reasons why these heritage sites were recognized as a World Heritage Site.
Criterion (i) The pyramids are masterpieces of human creative genius.
The Pyramids of Giza are the only surviving significant structures of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and their architectural design is still unique and scientific research is ongoing to understand their construction techniques.The Saqqara pyramids are also architectural masterpieces, containing the world's first large-scale stone building and the first pyramid ever constructed (the Step Pyramid of Djoser).
For these reasons, it was recognized as a "masterpiece representing human creative genius", which meets the World Heritage registration criteria (i).
Criterion (iii) Proof of the existence of the Ancient Egyptian civilization
The Memphis complex and associated archaeological remains areAn exceptional collection of archaeological sites testifying to the birth of Ancient Egyptian civilizationThe ancient necropolis of Saqqara, the oldest stone pyramid in Egypt (the Step Pyramid of Djoser), the tombs and pyramids that show the development of funerary architecture, and the ruins of the city combine to provide invaluable evidence of the power and organization of the ancient Egyptian royal capital.
Therefore, it was recognized as meeting registration criterion (iii) of "a unique existence as physical evidence transmitting the existence of a cultural tradition or civilization."
Criterion (iii) Ancient Egyptian ideas and beliefs of universal value
Memphis is closely linked to religious beliefs related to the Necropolis god Ptah, and the city is associated with the excellence of thought, artwork and technology of Ancient Egypt, one of the most glorious and enduring civilizations on Earth.
These were linked to the inscription criterion (vi) “ideas or beliefs of outstanding universal value.”
reference:"Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur(UNESCO)
Access and tourist information for the Great Pyramids of Giza
Now, for those of you who are planning to visit the Great Pyramids of Giza and Memphis, we will provide you with information on access and sightseeing in the surrounding area.
How to get to the Great Pyramids of Giza
There are various ways to get to the Great Pyramids of Giza, including public transportation (buses, taxis, etc.) from the capital Cairo, or by car, such as taxis or Uber.The most common way to travel is by taxi or Uber.The car ride takes about 35 minutes, and taxis and Uber are easy to find from Cairo, with the cost expected to be less than 1,000 yen.
On the other hand, the cheapest option is to take the bus or a combination of train and bus. Buses from downtown Cairo to Giza depart from the bus stop at the Egyptian Museum and cost around 100 yen.
You can also take the subway to Giza Station for about 20 yen, and from there you can take a shared bus to the pyramids for another 20 yen.
3 other recommended sightseeing spots in the area
If you're going to the Great Pyramids of Giza, we'd like to introduce some nearby spots that are recommended for history and art lovers.
| Egyptian Museum | See the extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including statues of the pharaohs and the Rosetta Stone, which deciphered the hieroglyphic code |
| Sphinx | It is located in the Memphis Pyramid Field, where the three great pyramids of Giza are located, and can be seen from in front of the Pyramid of Khafre. |
| Saqqara | You can see ruins such as mastabas that existed before the pyramids were built. |
reference:"Giza & Ancient Wonders(Egypt Tourism Board)
summary
What did you think?
Due to its long history, the three great pyramids of Giza andAncient EgyptThere is still much about its history that has yet to be discovered, so the more you learn about it, the more mysterious it feels.
We hope that this article will inspire you to visit the site and deepen your interest in the three great pyramids of Giza.
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