pyramids of egypt essay

• History Classics
• Your Profile
• Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window)
• This Day In History
• History Podcasts
• History Vault

Egyptian Pyramids

By: History.com Editors

Updated: April 15, 2024 | Original: October 14, 2009

Built during a time when Egypt was one of the richest and most powerful civilizations in the world, the pyramids—especially the Great Pyramids of Giza—are some of the most magnificent man-made structures in history. Their massive scale reflects the unique role that the pharaoh, or king, played in ancient Egyptian society. Though pyramids were built from the beginning of the Old Kingdom to the close of the Ptolemaic period in the fourth century A.D., the peak of pyramid building began with the late third dynasty and continued until roughly the sixth (c. 2325 B.C.). More than 4,000 years later, the Egyptian pyramids still retain much of their majesty, providing a glimpse into the country’s rich and glorious past.

The Pharaoh in Egyptian Society

During the third and fourth dynasties of the Old Kingdom, Egypt enjoyed tremendous economic prosperity and stability. Kings held a unique position in Egyptian society. Somewhere in between human and divine, they were believed to have been chosen by the gods themselves to serve as their mediators on earth. Because of this, it was in everyone’s interest to keep the king’s majesty intact even after his death, when he was believed to become Osiris, god of the dead. The new pharaoh, in turn, became Horus, the falcon-god who served as protector of the sun god, Ra.

Did you know? The pyramid's smooth, angled sides symbolized the rays of the sun and were designed to help the king's soul ascend to heaven and join the gods, particularly the sun god Ra.

Ancient Egyptians believed that when the king died, part of his spirit (known as “ka”) remained with his body. To properly care for his spirit, the corpse was mummified, and everything the king would need in the afterlife was buried with him, including gold vessels, food, furniture and other offerings. The pyramids became the focus of a cult of the dead king that was supposed to continue well after his death. Their riches would provide not only for him, but also for the relatives, officials and priests who were buried near him.

The Early Pyramids

From the beginning of the Dynastic Era (2950 B.C.), royal tombs were carved into rock and covered with flat-roofed rectangular structures known as “mastabas,” which were precursors to the pyramids. The oldest known pyramid in Egypt was built around 2630 B.C. at Saqqara, for the third dynasty’s King Djoser. Known as the Step Pyramid, it began as a traditional mastaba but grew into something much more ambitious. As the story goes, the pyramid’s architect was Imhotep, a priest and healer who some 1,400 years later would be deified as the patron saint of scribes and physicians. Over the course of Djoser’s nearly 20-year reign, pyramid builders assembled six stepped layers of stone (as opposed to mud-brick, like most earlier tombs) that eventually reached a height of 204 feet (62 meters); it was the tallest building of its time. The Step Pyramid was surrounded by a complex of courtyards, temples and shrines where Djoser could enjoy his afterlife.

After Djoser, the stepped pyramid became the norm for royal burials, although none of those planned by his dynastic successors were completed (probably due to their relatively short reigns). The earliest tomb constructed as a “true” (smooth-sided, not stepped) pyramid was the Red Pyramid at Dahshur, one of three burial structures built for the first king of the fourth dynasty, Sneferu (2613-2589 B.C.) It was named for the color of the limestone blocks used to construct the pyramid’s core.

The Great Pyramids of Giza

No pyramids are more celebrated than the Great Pyramids of Giza, located on a plateau on the west bank of the Nile River, on the outskirts of modern-day Cairo. The oldest and largest of the three pyramids at Giza, known as the Great Pyramid , is the only surviving structure out of the famed Seven Wonders of the Ancient World . It was built for Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops, in Greek), Sneferu’s successor and the second of the eight kings of the fourth dynasty. Though Khufu reigned for 23 years (2589-2566 B.C.), relatively little is known of his reign beyond the grandeur of his pyramid. The sides of the pyramid’s base average 755.75 feet (230 meters), and its original height was 481.4 feet (147 meters), making it the largest pyramid in the world. Three small pyramids built for Khufu’s queens are lined up next to the Great Pyramid, and a tomb was found nearby containing the empty sarcophagus of his mother, Queen Hetepheres. Like other pyramids, Khufu’s is surrounded by rows of mastabas, where relatives or officials of the king were buried to accompany and support him in the afterlife.

The middle pyramid at Giza was built for Khufu’s son Pharaoh Khafre (2558-2532 B.C). The Pyramid of Khafre is the second tallest pyramid at Giza and contains Pharaoh Khafre’s tomb. A unique feature built inside Khafre’s pyramid complex was the Great Sphinx, a guardian statue carved in limestone with the head of a man and the body of a lion. It was the largest statue in the ancient world, measuring 240 feet long and 66 feet high. In the 18th dynasty (c. 1500 B.C.) the Great Sphinx would come to be worshiped itself, as the image of a local form of the god Horus. The southernmost pyramid at Giza was built for Khafre’s son Menkaure (2532-2503 B.C.). It is the shortest of the three pyramids (218 feet) and is a precursor of the smaller pyramids that would be constructed during the fifth and sixth dynasties.

Who Built The Pyramids?

Though some popular versions of history held that the pyramids were built by slaves or foreigners forced into labor, skeletons excavated from the area show that the workers were probably native Egyptian agricultural laborers who worked on the pyramids during the time of year when the Nile River flooded much of the land nearby. Approximately 2.3 million blocks of stone (averaging about 2.5 tons each) had to be cut, transported and assembled to build Khufu’s Great Pyramid. The ancient Greek historian Herodotus wrote that it took 20 years to build and required the labor of 100,000 men, but later archaeological evidence suggests that the workforce might actually have been around 20,000.

The End of the Pyramid Era

Pyramids continued to be built throughout the fifth and sixth dynasties, but the general quality and scale of their construction declined over this period, along with the power and wealth of the kings themselves. In the later Old Kingdom pyramids, beginning with that of King Unas (2375-2345 B.C), pyramid builders began to inscribe written accounts of events in the king’s reign on the walls of the burial chamber and the rest of the pyramid’s interior. Known as pyramid texts, these are the earliest significant religious compositions known from ancient Egypt.

The last of the great pyramid builders was Pepy II (2278-2184 B.C.), the second king of the sixth dynasty, who came to power as a young boy and ruled for 94 years. By the time of his rule, Old Kingdom prosperity was dwindling, and the pharaoh had lost some of his quasi-divine status as the power of non-royal administrative officials grew. Pepy II’s pyramid, built at Saqqara and completed some 30 years into his reign, was much shorter (172 feet) than others of the Old Kingdom. With Pepy’s death, the kingdom and strong central government virtually collapsed, and Egypt entered a turbulent phase known as the First Intermediate Period. Later kings, of the 12th dynasty, would return to pyramid building during the so-called Middle Kingdom phase, but it was never on the same scale as the Great Pyramids.

The Pyramids Today

Tomb robbers and other vandals in both ancient and modern times removed most of the bodies and funeral goods from Egypt’s pyramids and plundered their exteriors as well. Stripped of most of their smooth white limestone coverings, the Great Pyramids no longer reach their original heights; Khufu’s, for example, measures only 451 feet high. Nonetheless, millions of people continue to visit the pyramids each year, drawn by their towering grandeur and the enduring allure of Egypt’s rich and glorious past.

HISTORY Vault: Ancient History

From Egypt to Greece, explore fascinating documentaries about the ancient world.

Sign up for Inside History

Get HISTORY’s most fascinating stories delivered to your inbox three times a week.

By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Networks. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.

More details : Privacy Notice | Terms of Use | Contact Us

The Great Pyramids of Giza

The Great Pyramids at Giza, Egypt (photo: KennyOMG , CC BY-SA 4.0)

One of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world

The last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, the great pyramids of Giza, are perhaps the most famous and discussed structures in history. These massive monuments were unsurpassed in height for thousands of years after their construction and continue to amaze and enthrall us with their overwhelming mass and seemingly impossible perfection. Their exacting orientation and mind-boggling construction has elicited many theories about their origins, including unsupported suggestions that they had extra-terrestrial impetus. However, by examining the several hundred years prior to their emergence on the Giza plateau, it becomes clear that these incredible structures were the result of many experiments, some more successful than others, and represent an apogee in line with the development of the royal mortuary complex.

Pyramid of Khafre (photo: MusikAnimal , CC BY-SA 3.0)

The causeway of the Khafre (Chephren) pyramid complex, taken from the entrance of the Khafre Valley Temple (photo: Hannah Pethen , CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Three pyramids, three rulers

The three primary pyramids on the Giza plateau were built over the span of three generations by the rulers Khufu , Khafre , and Menkaure .  Each pyramid was part of a royal mortuary complex that also included a temple at its base and a long stone causeway (some nearly 1 kilometer in length) leading east from the plateau to a valley temple on the edge of the floodplain.

Other (smaller) pyramids, and small tombs

In addition to these major structures, several smaller pyramids belonging to queens are arranged as satellites. A large cemetery of smaller tombs, known as mastabas (Arabic for ‘bench’ in reference to their shape—flat-roofed, rectangular, with sloping sides), fills the area to the east and west of the pyramid of Khufu . These were arranged in a grid-like pattern and constructed for prominent members of the court.  Being buried near the pharaoh was a great honor and helped ensure a prized place in the Afterlife.

Map of Giza pyramid complex (map by: MesserWoland , CC BY-SA 3.0)

A reference to the sun

The shape of the pyramid was a solar reference, perhaps intended as a solidified version of the rays of the sun. Texts talk about the sun’s rays as a ramp the pharaoh mounts to climb to the sky—the earliest pyramids, such as the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara —were actually designed as a staircase. The pyramid was also clearly connected to the sacred ben-ben stone, an icon of the primeval mound that was considered the place of initial creation. The pyramid was viewed as a place of regeneration for the deceased ruler.

View up the side of Khufu’s pyramid showing scale of the core blocks (Photo: Dr. Amy Calvert)

Construction

Many questions remain about the construction of these massive monuments, and theories abound as to the actual methods used. The workforce needed to build these structures is also still much discussed. Discovery of a town for workers to the south of the plateau has offered some answers. It is likely that there was a permanent group of skilled craftsmen and builders who were supplemented by seasonal crews of approximately 2000 conscripted peasants. These crews were divided into gangs of 200 men, with each group further divided into teams of 20.  Experiments indicate that these groups of 20 men could haul the 2.5 ton blocks from quarry to pyramid in about 20 minutes, their path eased by a lubricated surface of wet silt. An estimated 340 stones could be moved daily from quarry to construction site, particularly when one considers that many of the blocks (such as those in the upper courses) were considerably smaller.

We are used to seeing the pyramids at Giza in alluring photographs, where they appear as massive and remote monuments rising up from an open, barren desert. Visitors might be surprised to find, then, that there is a golf course and resort only a few hundred feet from the Great Pyramid , and that the burgeoning suburbs of Giza (part of the greater metropolitan area of Cairo) have expanded right up to the foot of the Sphinx . This urban encroachment and the problems that come with it—such as pollution, waste, illegal activities, and auto traffic—are now the biggest threats to these invaluable examples of global cultural heritage.

Aerial view of the Giza pyramid complex and development nearby (photo: © Raimond Spekking , CC BY-SA 4.0)

The pyramids were inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979, and since 1990, the organization has sponsored over a dozen missions to evaluate their status. It has supported the restoration of the Sphinx, as well as measures to curb the impact of tourism and manage the growth of the neighboring village. Still, threats to the site continue: air pollution from waste incineration contributes to the degradation of the stones , and the massive illegal quarrying of sand on the neighboring plateau has created holes large enough to be seen on Google Earth. Egypt’s 2011 uprisings and their chaotic political and economic aftermath also negatively impacted tourism, one of the country’s most important industries, and the number of visitors is only now beginning to rise once more .

UNESCO has continually monitored these issues, but its biggest task with regard to Giza has been to advocate for the rerouting of a highway that was originally slated to cut through the desert between the pyramids and the necropolis of Saqqara to the south. The government eventually agreed to build the highway north of the pyramids. However, as the Cairo metropolitan area (the largest in Africa, with a population of over 20 million) continues to expand, planners are now proposing a multilane tunnel to be constructed underneath the Giza Plateau. UNESCO and ICOMOS are calling for in-depth studies of the project’s potential impact, as well as an overall site management plan for the Giza pyramids that would include ways to halt the continued impact of illegal dumping and quarrying.

As massive as they are, the pyramids at Giza are not immutable. With the rapid growth of Cairo, they will need sufficient attention and protection if they are to remain intact as key touchstones of ancient history.

Backstory by Dr. Naraelle Hohensee

Bibliography

Egyptian Art in the Age of the Pyramids, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

UNESCO webpage for Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur

Digital Giza

Giza archives, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Building the Great Pyramid, BBC

Mark Lehner, The Complete Pyramids , Thames and Hudson, 2008.

Cite this page

Your donations help make art history free and accessible to everyone!

Essay on Pyramids Of Egypt

Students are often asked to write an essay on Pyramids Of Egypt in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Pyramids Of Egypt

What are pyramids.

Pyramids are giant structures made of stone. They are found in Egypt and were built thousands of years ago. They have a square base and four triangular sides. The most famous pyramids are the Pyramids of Giza.

Why were Pyramids built?

The Pyramids were built as tombs for Egyptian kings, known as Pharaohs. The Egyptians believed in life after death. They thought that the Pharaoh needed a grand tomb to help him in the afterlife. So, they built these huge pyramids.

The Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest pyramid. It was built for Pharaoh Khufu. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It’s made of over 2 million stone blocks!

How were Pyramids built?

Building a pyramid was hard work. Thousands of workers moved and placed the heavy stones. They used sledges, ramps, and ropes. It took many years to build just one pyramid.

Pyramids Today

Today, the Pyramids of Egypt are a big tourist attraction. People from all over the world come to see these amazing structures. They are a symbol of Egypt’s rich history and culture.

250 Words Essay on Pyramids Of Egypt

The pyramids of egypt.

The Pyramids of Egypt are ancient structures built thousands of years ago. They are located in Egypt, a country in Africa. These pyramids are famous all over the world for their size, design, and the mystery surrounding their construction.

Why were they built?

The pyramids were built as tombs for the Pharaohs, the rulers of ancient Egypt. The Pharaohs believed in life after death. So, they had these pyramids built to protect their bodies and their treasures after they died.

How were they built?

Building the pyramids was a massive task. Thousands of workers would cut large blocks of stone, move them to the site, and then stack them to form the pyramid. It is still a mystery how the ancient Egyptians were able to do this without modern machinery.

The Great Pyramid

The most famous pyramid is the Great Pyramid of Giza. It is the largest of all the pyramids and was built for Pharaoh Khufu. It was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.

Today, the pyramids are a popular tourist spot. People from all over the world come to see these amazing structures. They remind us of the incredible skills and beliefs of the people who built them.

In conclusion, the Pyramids of Egypt are a fascinating part of human history. They show us how advanced the ancient Egyptians were and continue to amaze us with their size and design.

500 Words Essay on Pyramids Of Egypt

The Pyramids of Egypt are some of the most amazing structures in the world. They are ancient and have been standing for thousands of years. They were built by the people of Egypt long ago and are still standing today.

What are the Pyramids?

The Pyramids are huge buildings made from stone. They have a square base and four triangular sides that meet at a point at the top. The largest and most famous pyramid is the Great Pyramid of Giza. It was the tallest building in the world for over 3,800 years!

Why were the Pyramids built?

The Pyramids were built as tombs for the Pharaohs and their queens. The Pharaohs were the rulers of ancient Egypt. They believed in life after death and thought that they would need their bodies in the next life. So, they preserved their bodies and kept them safe in the Pyramids. They also kept food, furniture, and other items in the Pyramids for use in the afterlife.

How were the Pyramids built?

Building the Pyramids was a big job. It took many people and many years to build just one pyramid. The stones used to build the Pyramids were very heavy. Some stones weighed as much as 15 elephants! The people of Egypt did not have machines to help them move these heavy stones. They had to use their strength and simple tools to move and place the stones.

The Mystery of the Pyramids

Even today, there are many things about the Pyramids that we do not know. For example, we do not know exactly how the people of Egypt were able to build such big and precise structures without modern technology. Many ideas have been suggested, but none have been proven. This mystery makes the Pyramids even more interesting and exciting to study.

The Importance of the Pyramids

The Pyramids are important for many reasons. They tell us a lot about the people of ancient Egypt. They show us what these people believed and how they lived. They also show us how skilled these people were at building and engineering. The Pyramids are a big part of Egypt’s history and culture. They are also a big part of the world’s history and culture.

In conclusion, the Pyramids of Egypt are fascinating structures. They are a testament to the ingenuity and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. They are a mystery that continues to intrigue us today. They are a symbol of Egypt’s rich history and a wonder of the ancient world.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Qin Dynasty
• Essay on Qualities Of A Good Mother
• Essay on Qualities Of A Good Leader

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

Ancient Egyptians during the third and fourth dynasties perfected the construction of pyramids as burial chambers for their kings.

Anthropology, Archaeology, Geography, Human Geography, Social Studies, Ancient Civilizations

Egyptian pyramids in sunset

The Great Pyramids of Giza have been a part of the Egyptian landscape for thousands of years. Here, they appear almost like mountains in the background as a woman leads cows across a field.

Photograph by Thomas J. Abercrombie

Archaeologist Zahi Hawass has been studying and preserving the Egyptian pyramids for decades. The area around the ancient capital city of Memphis, Egypt, located just south of modern-day Cairo along the Nile River, contains dozens of pyramids built as burial chambers for kings during the third and fourth dynasties. In 2017, Dr. Hawass was appointed to oversee the restoration of the oldest of these pyramids —a stone step pyramid near Saqarrah, built by architect Imhotep for King Djoser around 2780 B.C.E.

This step pyramid is significant because it was the first stone building constructed by the Egyptians. It also marked a departure from the traditional burial structure known as a mastaba . A mastaba was a rectangular burial mound with sloping walls and a flat roof. Mastabas were usually built using mud bricks, but occasionally they were stone. The step pyramid was constructed of six mastabas stacked together. The largest formed the base, and the rest decreased in size so that the smallest was at the top of the structure.

A later king, Snefru, made further advancements in pyramid building. His first pyramid began as a step pyramid, but he later filled in the steps to create a more pyramid-like shape. Snefru then attempted to build a pyramid near Saqqarah. This pyramid had a square base and four triangular walls that sloped inward to meet at a central point. Partway through construction, builders had to change the slope of the structure so the angle was less acute. Today, this pyramid at Saqqarah is known as the Bent Pyramid because of its slightly curved appearance. Snefru's final pyramid attempt, called the Red Pyramid and located near Dahshur, is believed to be the first to have been designed as a pyramid from the beginning.

Snefru's son, grandson, and great-grandson would build on Snefru's ideas and create the three famous pyramids near Giza. His son Khufu built what is today known as the Great Pyramid. Originally 146 or 147 meters (479 or 482 feet) high, the Great Pyramid required 300,000 blocks and more than two million tons of stone. Dr. Hawass helps put the Great Pyramid's immense size into perspective. He says that the blocks "could be used to build a three-meter-high (9.8 feet) wall around France. If we cut them into small pieces, they could cover two-thirds of the globe."

Khafre, Khufu’s son, built a somewhat smaller pyramid nearby, and Khafre's son Menkure built yet another smaller pyramid . The four sides of all three of these pyramids have perfect north, south, east, and west orientations. How the ancient Egyptians accomplished this without a compass remains a mystery, as does how the pyramid builders built such massive structures without modern tools or conveniences.

Archaeologists continue to make new discoveries about the pyramids, such as Dr. Hawass’s discovery of the tombs of the pyramid builders just outside the Great Pyramid. Hawass believes new technology "could be very useful in revealing the remaining secrets of the pyramids."

Media Credits

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Production Managers

Program specialists, last updated.

October 19, 2023

User Permissions

For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your teacher. They will best know the preferred format. When you reach out to them, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource.

If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media.

Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service .

Interactives

Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives.

Related Resources

If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

To log in and use all the features of Khan Academy, please enable JavaScript in your browser.

AP®︎/College Art History

Course: ap®︎/college art history   >   unit 4, ancient egypt, an introduction.

• Ancient Egyptian art
• Palette of King Narmer
• Seated Scribe
• The Great Pyramids of Giza
• Pyramid of Khufu
• Pyramid of Khafre and the Great Sphinx
• Pyramid of Menkaure
• King Menkaure (Mycerinus) and queen
• Temple of Amun-Re and the Hypostyle Hall, Karnak
• Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and Large Kneeling Statue, New Kingdom, Egypt
• Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis (UNESCO/TBS)
• Akhenaten, Nefertiti, and Three Daughters
• Tutankhamun’s tomb (innermost coffin and death mask)
• Last Judgement of Hunefer, from his tomb
• Hunefer, Book of the Dead

Consistency and stability

Time—cyclical and linear, the pharaoh—not just a king, the development of ancient egypt, want to join the conversation.

• Upvote Button navigates to signup page
• Downvote Button navigates to signup page
• Flag Button navigates to signup page

Search on OralHistory.ws Blog

Pyramids of Egypt: Monuments to Eternity

Few structures in human history have evoked as much wonder as the Egyptian pyramids. Rising majestically against the backdrop of Egypt’s golden sands, they stand not merely as architectural marvels but as a testament to the aspirations and achievements of a civilization that flourished millennia ago.

Table of content

Historical Backdrop

Ancient Egypt, cradled by the sinuous Nile, was a civilization of unparalleled grandeur and complexity. Its story is not just one of pharaohs and deities but also of intertwining human ambition with the timeless rhythm of the river’s ebb and flow. This was a land where life itself was orchestrated by the Nile’s inundations, breathing life into the otherwise arid expanses and nurturing a society poised for greatness.

As dynasties rose and fell, the architectural endeavors of the Egyptians evolved. Initial burial practices involved simple mastabas, rectangular structures made of mud bricks. However, a monumental shift occurred with the dawn of the Old Kingdom, around 2686–2181 BCE. Pharaohs, now seen as incarnate gods, harbored aspirations that transcended the confines of mortality. They envisioned their final resting places as tombs and cosmic vessels, launching them into the boundless expanse of the afterlife.

It was Pharaoh Djoser who took the seminal step in pyramid evolution. With the genius of his architect, Imhotep, they conceived the Step Pyramid at Saqqara – a structure that laid the groundwork for the true pyramids that would soon punctuate Egypt’s skyline. As subsequent pharaohs, driven by a blend of piety, pride, and politics, sought to outdo their predecessors, the stage was set for constructing the iconic Giza pyramids.

In this era of architectural revolution, the pyramid became more than a structure – it was a statement, a testament to the pharaoh’s divine stature and the nation’s prowess. This was an age of audacious endeavors, where the desert’s silence was punctuated by the chisel’s rhythm, where man, in his quest for eternity, etched his dreams upon the canvas of the earth.

Architectural Marvel

Beyond the sheer grandiosity of the pyramids lies a tapestry of engineering feats and architectural brilliance. These structures are not mere mounds of stone but rather a symphony of precision, innovation, and artistry – a testament to the acumen of ancient Egyptian builders.

Firstly, consider the material. The bulk of a pyramid’s mass was limestone, quarried often from locales at some distance from the construction site. Transporting these behemoth blocks, some weighing as much as 80 tons, was an endeavor. Ancient records and architectural remains hint at a sophisticated network of canals and purpose-built boats designed to ferry these blocks to the construction sites.

The pyramid’s very foundation demanded extraordinary precision. Ensuring a level base on the uneven desert terrain required advanced tools and techniques, many of which remain subjects of study and admiration today. The alignment of these structures is yet another marvel. For instance, the Great Pyramid of Giza is aligned with a margin of error of just 0.05 degrees to the cardinal points of the compass.

Then, the interior is a maze of chambers, corridors, and hidden recesses designed with purpose and symbolism. The Grand Gallery of the Great Pyramid, a sloping hall with a corbelled roof, is an engineering marvel, displaying a masterful understanding of weight distribution and architectural aesthetics.

What truly accentuates the pyramid’s architectural splendor is its casing. Initially, these monumental structures were adorned with smooth, white Tura limestone, causing them to gleam under the Egyptian sun. Imagine the sight: these radiant, shimmering structures, visible from miles away, proclaiming the glory of the pharaohs and the divine favor of the gods.

In essence, the pyramids, in their architectural sophistication, narrate a tale not just of power and piety but of a civilization’s indefatigable spirit to chase perfection, to defy the constraints of their era, and to craft edifices that would echo their prowess through the corridors of time.

Symbolism and Significance

One finds a confluence of artistry and ideology in the shadow of the pyramids. These colossal structures are more than a testament to ancient Egypt’s architectural prowess; they are emblematic of a society deeply entrenched in ritual, reverence, and cosmological beliefs.

The ancient Egyptians’ profound understanding of the afterlife was at the heart of pyramid construction. In their belief system, death was not an end but a transcendental journey – a passage from the terrestrial realm to the cosmic beyond. The pyramid epitomized this ascension, with its pointed apex reaching the heavens. Its sloping sides, reminiscent of the sun’s rays, symbolized the pharaoh’s spiritual ascent to join the sun deity, Ra, in his daily voyage across the sky.

The pyramid’s geometric shape held further significance. The square base, anchored to the earth, represented the four cardinal directions, encapsulating the pharaoh’s dominion over the terrestrial world. Meanwhile, the singular apex symbolized the primordial mound, the first piece of land to emerge from the chaotic waters in ancient Egyptian creation myths. Thus, the pyramid was not merely a tomb but a representation of the world’s creation and the pharaoh’s pivotal role in maintaining cosmic order.

Delving within the pyramids, one is greeted by a kaleidoscope of art and inscriptions. The walls, alive with intricate hieroglyphics and vivid frescoes, chronicle the pharaoh’s earthly endeavors and divine lineage. More crucially, these inscriptions – often excerpts from the “Pyramid Texts” – provided spells, rituals, and incantations to safeguard the pharaoh’s voyage through the underworld, ensuring safe passage and thwarting malevolent entities.

Furthermore, the pyramids, particularly those at Giza, showcase a sophisticated understanding of astronomy. Their alignments with celestial bodies, like the constellation of Orion and the stellar North Pole, suggest a civilization deeply attuned to the cosmos’s rhythms. This celestial alignment, far from coincidental, reinforces the notion of the pharaoh’s divine descent and his inevitable reunion with the stars.

In sum, the symbolism imbued within the pyramids offers a window into the soul of ancient Egypt – a civilization where the temporal and cosmic realms intertwined, where every stone and glyph echoed a profound reverence for the mysteries of existence and the eternal voyage of the soul.

The Pyramid Builders

To truly fathom the grandeur of the pyramids, one must delve into the lives of those who breathed life into these edifices – the myriad workers, artisans, and visionaries responsible for these monumental undertakings.

Contrary to antiquated misconceptions of slaves toiling under the whip, contemporary archaeological discoveries paint a different, more nuanced picture. The workforce behind the pyramids comprised a rotating cadre of well-nourished, skilled laborers organized into communities and hierarchically structured teams. These teams, often named evocatively – like “Friends of Khufu” or “Drunkards of Menkaure” – took immense pride in their craft, leaving inscriptions hinting at camaraderie and collective ambition.

The pyramid builders’ settlements, unearthed near construction sites, are revelations. They depict planned habitats with bakeries, breweries, and modest dwellings – indicative of a self-sustaining community where workers, though engaged in arduous labor, were treated with dignity and care. Skeletal remains unearthed from these sites bear marks of medical treatments, suggesting the presence of physicians tending to the workers’ ailments.

Beyond the manual laborers, a pyramid’s construction necessitated a constellation of other professionals. Quarrymen, adept with copper tools, extracted the massive blocks with precision. Engineers and architects, the unsung geniuses behind the designs, ensured the pyramids’ alignment, stability, and aesthetic appeal. Artisans with a discerning eye and deft hands sculpted statues, carved reliefs, and painted frescoes. Scribes, the learned men of their time, chronicled the construction process, maintained inventory, and recorded daily activities.

Additionally, the logistical orchestration behind sourcing and transporting materials was nothing short of Herculean. A labyrinthine network of canals facilitated the movement of massive limestone blocks on wooden sleds and boats. Overseers entrusted with the weighty responsibility of ensuring timelines and quality were pivotal in coordinating this symphony of activities.

In essence, beyond their stone façades, the pyramids are a testament to a collaborative human endeavor. They are monuments not just to pharaohs but to the countless unsung heroes who, brick by brick, dream by dream, converged to craft edifices that would defy time itself. They remind us that behind every monumental achievement lies countless individuals’ sweat, ambition, and ingenuity, bound together by a shared vision and an indomitable spirit.

Legacy and Influence

The pyramids, standing sentinel upon the Giza plateau, are not just relics of a bygone era; they are living legacies echoing the resonance of ancient Egypt throughout the ages. Like the outstretched arms of the Nile, their influence meanders through time, shaping civilizations, inspiring artistry, and evoking wonder in countless souls.

Firstly, the architectural innovations birthed in the construction of the pyramids had profound reverberations. The methods pioneered – leveraging tools, transporting massive stones, and precision alignment techniques – were foundational for subsequent monumental structures across the ancient world. The Greeks, with their iconic temples, and the Romans, with their grandiose edifices, drew insights, directly or indirectly, from these Egyptian marvels.

The pyramids’ metaphysical allure also catalyzed spiritual reflections. They became emblematic of humanity’s eternal quest to transcend the mortal realm and grapple with the vast unknowns of the cosmos. Their ethereal silhouette against the desert horizon has inspired myriad philosophical treatises and poetic musings, kindling meditations on life, death, and the divine.

In the realm of art, the pyramids have been muses for generations. From the meticulous paintings of David Roberts to the cinematic spectacles of Hollywood, their portrayal has been both a canvas for historical reconstruction and a backdrop for fictional tales of adventure and mystery. Modern architectural designs have also mirrored their iconicity, as seen in the Louvre Pyramid in Paris and the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas.

Moreover, in the annals of exploration, the pyramids have spurred endeavors marked by scholarly rigor and audacious imagination. They have beckoned historians, archaeologists, and even amateur enthusiasts, each drawn by the promise of unearthing secrets in their chambers. The persistent myths – of hidden chambers, celestial alignments, and arcane rituals – only amplify their enigma, ensuring their narratives are continually revisited and reimagined.

Beyond the tangible and the intellectual, the pyramids have an indelible cultural imprint. They are emblematic of Egypt’s rich heritage, drawing millions of travelers annually, each questing for a rendezvous with history. These interactions – of awe-struck gazes, whispered legends and shared stories – create a tapestry of intercultural exchanges, fostering a global appreciation for humanity’s shared heritage.

The pyramids are not static monuments; they pulse with life. They are bridges connecting epochs, civilizations, and souls. Their legacy is a testament to the indomitable spirit of human ingenuity and our ceaseless yearning to craft narratives that stand resilient against the sands of time, much like the pyramids themselves.

As we stand on the precipice of time, gazing upon the pyramids’ enduring majesty, we are compelled to reflect on the structures themselves and the tapestry of civilization they represent. While rooted in the sands of Egypt, these ancient edifices transcend geographical boundaries, beckoning humanity with a siren’s call that reverberates through the millennia.

In their stoic splendor, the pyramids encapsulate a confluence of human endeavors – ambition, artistry, spirituality, and resilience. They are, in essence, chronicles in stone, capturing the pulse of a civilization that, while distant in time, feels intimately connected to our existential quests. Their construction narrates tales of collaborative spirit, where individuals, driven by a shared vision, toiled under the sun to craft monuments that defy impermanence.

Their profound symbolism, intertwined with Egypt’s cosmological beliefs, serves as a poignant reminder of humanity’s ceaseless yearnings – to understand our place in the cosmos, to grapple with the enigmas of life and death, and to leave imprints that echo our existence. Every stone, every glyph, and every chamber resonates with stories, myths, and rituals, offering tantalizing glimpses into the psyche of a people deeply attuned to the mysteries of the universe.

Furthermore, the pyramids’ legacy and influence, seamlessly woven into the fabric of global culture, underscores the interconnectedness of human civilizations. Their architectural marvels inspired edifices across continents; their tales fueled artistic expressions and scholarly pursuits, bridging epochs and ideologies. They are luminous beacons illuminating human history’s rich tapestry and shared cultural inheritance.

In drawing this exploration to a close, the pyramids challenge us with a profound reflection. They beckon us to recognize the impermanence of life but also to appreciate the indelible imprints we can leave behind. They are a testament to the idea that while civilizations may wane and epochs may fade, the human spirit, in its relentless pursuit of excellence and meaning, can craft legacies that endure, casting shadows that linger long after the sun has set.

Thus, as the golden hues of the Egyptian sun caress the pyramids, casting ethereal silhouettes against the canvas of time, we are left with an invigorating sense of purpose and an appreciation for the boundless potential of human endeavor. In the echoes of the past, we find reflections for the future – a future where we, too, can aspire to etch our narratives in the annals of time.

The Mystery of the Great Pyramid of Giza Essay

Egypt is a country which has one of the most interesting histories in the world. Moreover, Egypt is also associated with ancient mysteries of the ancient world. This country possesses really great antiques which impact on people’s decision to view and marvel at the ingenuity which was evoked when they were built.

Scientists and anthropologists agree that the degree, upon which the work was done, indicates that the people who were involved in the construction of these structures had a great scientific knowledge. The most beautiful among these structures are the pyramids of Giza and the sphinx. It was Gustave Flaubert who noted that there was something curious about them, these famous pyramids, the more one looks at them, the bigger they become.

The pyramids of Giza lie southwest of Cairo on a flat elevation of the Libyan Desert. These pyramids are part of the great cities of the dead of the Old Kingdom, extending from Abu Roash, in the north to Dahshur, in the south (Atiya, 2007). Generally, there are six pyramid groups, spreading over some thirty kilometers on the eastern edge of the Libyan Desert plateau.

These include the Abu Roash, Giza, Zawiyet Aryan, Abusir, Saqqara and Dahshur (Atiya, 2007). There are some theories which try to explain how these mega structures appeared. However, there was no a conclusive theory or fact which postulated with regard to how these structures appeared. However, most of the experts of human history came to the common consensus that these structures were put up as burial monuments for the pharaohs.

From the early accounts, the investigators fell into two main camps: those that regarded the pyramids as tombs and nothing more and, those that were convinced that the society was responsible for such amazing structures built with such inconceivable care and precision (West, 1995). The scientists who study pyramids decided to find out how these pyramids appeared. One of the most famous investigators was John Taylor who was an editor.

Taylor was looking for the fundamental reasons for the peculiar angle of slope to conclude that the height of the pyramid was appropriate to its perimeter as the radius of the circle is appropriate to its circumference. According to him, the Egyptians displayed remarkable knowledge and wealth of geometric, mathematical, and proportional properties of the amazing pyramid (West, 1995). Taylor, therefore, concluded that the purpose of erecting these Great Pyramids was to pass on this profound knowledge.

The mystery behind the construction of the pyramid of Giza is not about to the end. It is because the contradictory theories purported different ideas on how the structure was erected. However, they hold the common opinion that these structures were constructed by intelligent people who utilized immense knowledge in putting them up.

Reference List

Atiya, F. (2007). Ancient Egypt. New York: American Univ in Cairo Press.

West, J. A. (1995). The traveler’s key to ancient Egypt: a guide to the sacred places of ancient Egypt. New York: Quest Books.

• The Art Form: The Great Sphinx
• The Pyramids of Giza as Masterpiece Architectural Setup
• Symbolism and Realism in Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
• How Geography Has Impacted the Development of Ancient Cultures
• Origin of Greek Civilization. Comparison of articles “Out of Africa” and “Not out of Africa: The origins of Greece and the illusions of Afrocentrists”
• Ancient Mediterranean Civilization
• The Achievements of Cyrus the Great
• San Callisto Catacombs - History of Catacombs and the Frescos
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2018, October 19). The Mystery of the Great Pyramid of Giza. https://ivypanda.com/essays/pyramids-of-giza/

"The Mystery of the Great Pyramid of Giza." IvyPanda , 19 Oct. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/pyramids-of-giza/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'The Mystery of the Great Pyramid of Giza'. 19 October.

IvyPanda . 2018. "The Mystery of the Great Pyramid of Giza." October 19, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/pyramids-of-giza/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Mystery of the Great Pyramid of Giza." October 19, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/pyramids-of-giza/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Mystery of the Great Pyramid of Giza." October 19, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/pyramids-of-giza/.

Home — Essay Samples — History — Ancient Civilizations — The pyramids of the ancient Egypt civilization

The Pyramids of The Ancient Egypt Civilization

• Categories: Ancient Civilizations Egypt

About this sample

Words: 406 |

Published: Jan 4, 2019

Words: 406 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr Jacklynne

Verified writer

• Expert in: History Geography & Travel

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

3 pages / 1210 words

1 pages / 514 words

2 pages / 833 words

5 pages / 2483 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Ancient Civilizations

Mesopotamia, commonly referred to as the "cradle of civilization," was located in the region of modern-day Iraq and parts of Syria, Turkey, and Iran. Its unique climate and geography played a significant role in shaping the [...]

Have you ever wondered about the striking similarities between two ancient civilizations separated by vast distances and time periods? Mesoamerica and Mesopotamia, despite their geographical and chronological differences, share [...]

Have you ever wondered what life was like in ancient Mesopotamia? One of the most significant aspects of this era was Hammurabi's Code, a collection of laws and regulations established by the Babylonian king Hammurabi around [...]

Ancient Egypt and Ancient China are two of the most well-known civilizations in history, each having left a lasting impact on the world. While they developed in different regions and at different times, there are striking [...]

The various groups of people that have existed throughout history (both groups that no longer exist, and groups that are still in existence today) have a number of things in common, as well as a multitude of differences. Two [...]

The Maya and Inca civilizations were remarkable ancient Mesoamerican societies, each with its own unique characteristics and contributions. The Maya's decentralized political structure, polytheistic religion, cultural [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

May 16, 2024

Lost Branch of the Nile May Solve Long-Standing Mystery of Egypt’s Famed Pyramids

A former stretch of the Nile River, now buried beneath the Sahara Desert, may help scientists understand how Egyptians built the pyramids and adapted to a drying landscape

By Riis Williams

The Step Pyramid of Djoser, constructed during the third dynasty of Egypt.

Eman Ghoneim

Atop a rocky, arid plateau in the Sahara’s Western Desert in Egypt stands the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Great Pyramid of Giza . The 455-foot-tall stone structure and several smaller pyramids in the area have long provided research material for scientists working to decipher ancient Egyptians’ inscriptions to figure out how they constructed such massive monuments —and to understand why they built them so far from the Nile River , the lifeblood of their great civilization.

Geomorphologist Eman Ghoneim says she has pondered that last mystery for years. “I was born and lived most of my life in Egypt,” she says, “and one question that I remember asking myself since I was very young is: ‘Why did our ancestors build pyramids in this specific, odd place—and why so far from the water?’ I had this feeling like there was something more there.”

The Bent Pyramid at the necropolis of Dahshur. The pyramid was constructed during Egypt’s fourth dynasty.

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing . By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

Ghoneim, a professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, recently showed that at the time they were built, the pyramids were in fact much closer to water. (They stand more than five miles from the Nile’s closest bank today.) By analyzing batches of satellite images and sediment samples collected from deep beneath the desert’s surface, she and her research team located a long-lost ancient branch of the Nile that once ran through the foothills just beside the Giza pyramid field. It’s likely that this channel, which the study team named the Ahramat (“pyramid” in Arabic), is how builders transported materials to the pyramid construction grounds, Ghoneim says. Knowing its course can help archeologists search for potential sites of ancient human settlements that may be buried beneath vast, dusty plain. The researchers detailed their discovery in a study published on Thursday in Communications Earth & Environment.

Scientists have long suspected that the Nile—which runs northward for roughly 4,100 miles from Lake Victoria in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda to the Mediterranean Sea—once had several offshoots. Past research indicates that during the middle of the Holocene epoch, about 10,000 to 6,000 years ago, the Nile floodplain was a lush, marshy habitat that narrowed and became largely barren after a long period of scant rainfall and increased aridity in the Late Holocene.

Eman Ghoneim’s research team organizes collected soil samples.

Today’s scorched, unforgiving Sahara is a tricky place to conduct the kind of fieldwork involved in searching for former river channels. Before braving the environment for a dig, the research team used radar satellites to peer beneath the top layer of earth and produce images of the subsurface. These revealed subtle patterns and textures in the ground’s layers near the pyramids—features that differed from other areas of the desert and hinted at the long-ago presence of running water. “We were looking at these meandering natural features closer to the [pyramid] field, like long depressions and troughs, now covered up entirely by farmlands and sand,” Ghoneim says. “It can be very hard to see if you don’t know what to look for.”

Ghoneim and her colleagues then traveled to Egypt, where they used large drills to excavate two “cores,” or cylinders of earth, extending dozens of miles below the surface. When the drill pulled up sand from deep below, Ghoneim knew the team had found remnants of a lost river. “There is, of course, sand on the surface,” she says. “But the presence of sand and other coarse sediments underneath the surface—instead of clay or silt—indicates that there was once running water in the area.”

The water course of the ancient Ahramat Branch borders a large number of pyramids dating from Egypt’s Old Kingdom to its Second Intermediate Period and spanning between its third and 13th dynasties.

Eman Ghoneim et al.

The researchers tracked the Ahramat’s former course for nearly 40 miles. Ghoneim says it may have run even longer, and more research could determine the channel’s general depth and width. It’s unclear why the waterway ran dry, but the team speculates that a combination of tectonic plate movements, windblown sand and the severe drought in the Late Holocene spelled its demise.

Dev Niyogi , a geology professor at the University of Texas at Austin, who was not involved in the new study, says understanding how ancient societies were shaped by their ever changing landscapes and waterways can help guide modern efforts to develop infrastructure wisely in an era of climate change. The ancient Nile branch also serves as a reminder that “resilient human societies are never rigid,” says Adam Rabinowitz , an archeologist and classics professor also at U.T. Austin, who is currently working on a project designed to ready Texans for dramatic, climate-driven changes to the state’s water availability over the next 25 years. “We have to explore how past societies responded to similar climate-related challenges ... so that we can better understand the human experience of living through and adapting to a major environmental change.”

Ghoneim says she hopes to continue piecing together a map of the Nile’s former life by further studying the Ahramat and other river channels that may be lost beneath the desert. “For most cities, we’re not talking about how water helped the building of pyramids but rather how human civilizations otherwise depended on it and adapted to its changes,” she says. “And when we learn from the past, we can prepare for the future.”

Solving the Enigma: who Constructed the Pyramids of Egypt?

This essay about the construction of the Egyptian pyramids challenges the notion that slaves were the primary workforce. By examining archaeological evidence, including workers’ settlements and skeletal remains, it suggests a more complex social structure and labor organization. The precise engineering of the pyramids indicates a skilled workforce, while acknowledging the potential role of slaves in various aspects of ancient Egyptian society. Ultimately, the essay emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of the individuals behind these iconic monuments, highlighting the interdisciplinary approach required to unravel the mysteries of the past.

How it works

For centuries, the mystery surrounding the construction of the Egyptian pyramids has captivated the minds of historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts alike. Among the most persistent questions is whether slaves were the primary workforce behind these ancient marvels. Delving into this inquiry leads us down a fascinating path of historical investigation, where evidence intertwines with speculation to reveal a complex tapestry of ancient labor and societal structures.

At the heart of the debate lies the Great Pyramid of Giza, a towering monument that has stood the test of time as a symbol of human achievement.

Traditional narratives often depict vast legions of slaves toiling under the scorching sun, their sweat and tears mingling with the stone as they erect these colossal structures. Yet, as we delve deeper into the annals of history and sift through the sands of time, a more nuanced picture begins to emerge.

Archaeological excavations near the pyramid sites have unearthed a wealth of evidence that challenges the simplistic notion of slave labor. Among the most compelling finds are the remnants of workers’ settlements, nestled in the shadows of the mighty pyramids. These settlements tell a story of community, where families lived and worked together in close proximity to the construction sites. Far from being the downtrodden masses one might envision, these workers appear to have been integrated members of society, receiving compensation for their labor in the form of food rations and housing.

The skeletal remains of these workers further illuminate their status and conditions. Contrary to expectations of malnourishment and abuse commonly associated with slave labor, these individuals exhibit signs of good health and well-being. Analysis of their bones suggests that they were not subjected to the backbreaking labor one might expect of slaves, but rather engaged in specialized tasks requiring skill and precision.

Moreover, the very design and engineering of the pyramids themselves serve as a testament to the expertise and ingenuity of their builders. From the perfectly aligned edges to the intricate inner chambers, these structures bear the hallmark of master craftsmen at the peak of their artistry. Such precision would have been impossible to achieve without a highly skilled workforce, whose members possessed intimate knowledge of geometry, engineering, and architectural principles.

Yet, amidst the wealth of evidence pointing towards a skilled labor force, the role of slaves in ancient Egypt should not be overlooked. While they may have played a role in various aspects of society, including construction projects, the notion of slaves as the primary builders of the pyramids is called into question by the available evidence. Instead, it appears that a diverse array of individuals from across Egyptian society came together to realize these monumental undertakings, each contributing their unique skills and expertise to the endeavor.

To truly unravel the enigma of the pyramid builders, we must look beyond simplistic narratives and delve into the complexities of ancient society. By examining the archaeological record, analyzing historical texts, and drawing upon interdisciplinary insights, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of the individuals behind these timeless monuments. In doing so, we not only shed light on the past but also deepen our appreciation for the remarkable achievements of our ancestors.

Cite this page

Solving the Enigma: Who Constructed the Pyramids of Egypt?. (2024, May 21). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/solving-the-enigma-who-constructed-the-pyramids-of-egypt/

"Solving the Enigma: Who Constructed the Pyramids of Egypt?." PapersOwl.com , 21 May 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/solving-the-enigma-who-constructed-the-pyramids-of-egypt/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Solving the Enigma: Who Constructed the Pyramids of Egypt? . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/solving-the-enigma-who-constructed-the-pyramids-of-egypt/ [Accessed: 30 May. 2024]

"Solving the Enigma: Who Constructed the Pyramids of Egypt?." PapersOwl.com, May 21, 2024. Accessed May 30, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/solving-the-enigma-who-constructed-the-pyramids-of-egypt/

"Solving the Enigma: Who Constructed the Pyramids of Egypt?," PapersOwl.com , 21-May-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/solving-the-enigma-who-constructed-the-pyramids-of-egypt/. [Accessed: 30-May-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Solving the Enigma: Who Constructed the Pyramids of Egypt? . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/solving-the-enigma-who-constructed-the-pyramids-of-egypt/ [Accessed: 30-May-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

Newly Discovered Ancient River May Explain How Egypt’s Pyramids Were Built

M ore than 30 pyramids in Egypt are located in an unremarkable strip of barren desert far from the modern Nile River. Now, scientists may have found the reason for this.

An extinct branch of the Nile River could explain the pyramids’ location and how they were built, according to recent research.

The Ancient Ahramat River

Researchers from the University of North Carolina Wilmington have discovered an ancient waterway, which sheds light on why so many pyramids are concentrated in this region. This finding also addresses the long-standing question of how the massive materials required to build the Giza complex and other pyramids were transported.

This area near the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis includes the Great Pyramid of Giza—the only surviving wonder of the ancient world—as well as the Khafre, Cheops, and Mykerinos pyramids.

Today, the pyramid field is quite a distance from the Nile River. Archaeologists have long hypothesized that the ancient Egyptians must have used a nearby waterway to move the enormous materials needed for the pyramids.

In their recent study, researchers used satellite imagery to locate a potential former river branch running near the pyramid fields, close to the Western Desert Plateau’s foothills. After identifying a viable candidate, they collected sediment samples and conducted geophysical surveys in the region.

Mammoth Bones Discovered in Wine Cellar

1,600-Year-Old Message Discovered in Coventry Garden by Local Teacher

The researchers uncovered evidence of a 64-kilometer (40-mile) ancient branch of the Nile River that has since vanished. They propose naming this ancient river “Ahramat,” meaning “pyramids” in Arabic.

In a report published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment , the researchers stated: “Many of the pyramids, dating to the Old and Middle Kingdoms, have causeways that lead to the branch and terminate with Valley Temples which may have acted as river harbors along it in the past. We suggest that the Ahramat Branch played a role in the monuments’ construction and that it was simultaneously active and used as a transportation waterway for workmen and building materials to the pyramids’ sites.”

The Disappearance of the River

It appears the river branch was around 39 miles long and over 2,000 feet wide. However, after a severe drought, the area became covered in windblown sand and was gradually lost to the desert and farmland.

Field surveys and sediment cores confirmed the presence of this ancient river, according to the study in Communications Earth & Environment .

Unlike the arid and inhospitable landscape known today, up to 6,000 years ago, this valley was a network of freshwater marshes and floodplains. By the beginning of the Old Kingdom period (around 2686 B.C.E.), inhabitants had settled on the natural levees of the river and jeziras (islands).

The Ahramat Branch gradually shifted eastward, with abandoned channels still visible on historical maps from 1911. Dahshur Lake is likely the last remaining trace of this ancient tributary.

“As branches disappeared, ancient Egyptian cities and towns also silted up and disappeared, and we have no clue where to find them,” said Dr. Eman Ghoneim.

Bird Feather Sold at Auction for $46,521

Strongest Earthquake in 40 Years Forces Thousands to Spend Night on Streets

Ancient Tombs Unearthed at Construction Site in Germany

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Bill Walton’s Long, Special Relationship With the Grateful Dead

“It wasn’t like he was a fan,” the drummer Mickey Hart said. “He was part of our family.”

By Marc Tracy

Bill Walton played 604 basketball games in college and the N.B.A. over the course of his Hall of Fame career. But Walton, who died Monday from cancer at 71 , wrote in a 2016 autobiography that he had attended more than 869 concerts by his most beloved musical act, the Grateful Dead.

“He loved the Grateful Dead I believe as much as we in the Grateful Dead have loved the Grateful Dead,” Mickey Hart, one of the band’s two drummers and a good friend of Walton’s, said in an interview.

“It wasn’t like he was a fan,” added Hart, who is currently performing a residency with a successor act, Dead & Company, at the Sphere in Las Vegas. “He was part of our family.”

Walton grew up in San Diego and first became famous for his basketball skills at U.C.L.A., where he won two national titles under the legendary coach John Wooden. Over a professional career attenuated by injuries, he earned a Most Valuable Player Award and championship titles with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Boston Celtics.

He stayed famous, including as a prolific television commentator, thanks to a winningly oddball style and crunchy interests, like cycling and left-leaning politics. And his personality seemed perfectly suited for — and summarized by — his lifelong love of his fellow California institution, the Grateful Dead.

In his autobiography, “Back From the Dead,” Walton proclaimed himself a “proud Dead Head” and described Dead concerts — unique and improvisational — as “a gathering of the tribe in celebration,” adding, “It’s what I live for.” (Most of his book’s chapter titles and epigraphs are Dead lyrics, including “Shadowboxing the Apocalypse,” “Feel Like a Stranger” and “Once in a While You Get Shown the Light, in the Strangest of Places If You Look at It Right.”)

“If you asked him about his relationship with the Dead, it would be this flow of admiration, feeling that he was in touch with something larger than just himself,” Dennis McNally, the band’s biographer and former spokesman, said in an interview. “Which has to be pretty big, to be bigger than Bill.”

Walton attended his first Dead show in 1971, before starting at U.C.L.A. At a 1976 concert in Portland, Ore., the band and its crew spotted Walton — a center who was listed as 6-foot-11 — standing near the front of the house, and invited him to sit onstage rather than block so many sightlines. At a break in the set, he went up and befriended the band.

In subsequent years, Walton traveled with the Dead when the band performed at the pyramids in Egypt, drummed onstage with Hart and fellow percussionist Bill Kreutzmann, and appeared at a Dead & Company concert as Father Time as the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve in 2019. (Walton was also a fan of other musicians, including Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Phish.)

After Walton joined the Celtics before the 1985-86 season, Larry Bird, the Celtics star, organized a team outing to a Dead show in Worcester, Mass., as part of welcoming the new guy. Years later, Walton was inducted into the Grateful Dead Hall of Honor — “my highest honor,” he told Relix Magazine.

“He knew the music inside-out,” said Hart, who remembered that Walton’s favorite Dead song was “Fire on the Mountain.”

Walton also seemed to perceive other pursuits in terms of the Dead — above all, playing basketball.

“The music and the basketball were the exact same thing,” he wrote. “You have a team with a goal, and a band with a song, and fans cheering because they’re happy, but also to make the players perform better, faster, and to take everybody further.”

He continued: “During the game, during the song, everybody goes off, each in their own direction, playing their own tune. But then with the greatness of a team, the greatness of a leader, and the willingness to play to a higher calling, they’re all able to come back and finish the job together — to win the game and send the people out into the night ecstatic, clamoring for more.”

Marc Tracy is a Times reporter covering arts and culture. He is based in New York. More about Marc Tracy

Inside the World of Sports

Dive deeper into the people, issues and trends shaping professional, collegiate and amateur athletics..

The N.C.A.A.’s New Era: If a judge approves, a $2.8 billion settlement  would let colleges and universities pay athletes directly for the first time. How would it work ?

Bringing Back Reebok: Shaquille O’Neal pushed to be in charge of the company’s return to the hypercompetitive world of basketball sneakers. The Hall of Famer understands the stakes .

The Capital of Women’s Soccer: The success of Barcelona Femení has made the Spanish city, and the broader region of Catalonia, a laboratory for finding out what happens when the women’s game has prominence similar to the men’s .

A Minnesota Rallying Cry:  Fans of the Minnesota Timberwolves have picked up on a phrase  uttered by the team’s star, Anthony Edwards, and are hardly put off by its mild vulgarity.

A Beloved Manager:  A coach’s soccer legacy is often reduced to titles and trophies. In Liverpool, Jürgen Klopp will endure in murals, music and shared memories .