Visiting Egypt and Its Great Pyramids
Visiting Egypt and its great pyramids is one of the most popular travel destinations in the whole world! Each year, Egypt’s Great Pyramids draw in millions of tourists who marvel over the sheer size and construction of these awe-inspiring structures. The earliest pyramids in Egypt date back to around 2780 B.C., and had great significance to Ancient Egyptians. Here are some interesting facts to learn before visiting Egypt’s Great Pyramids.
According to Egyptian mythology, after death, a Pharaoh would transform into the King of the Dead, Osiris. The pyramids were built not only to preserve and protect the deceased ruler’s spirit, but also as the place for the Pharaoh’s spirit to ascend to the afterlife, the Field of Reeds. Pharaohs were mummified and buried with treasures so that they had everything they needed for the afterlife. According to mythology, Pharaohs could also choose to return to earth after death, so the massive scale of the pyramids was symbolic of the ancient Egyptians’ belief that their king would one day come back– as well as a show of the grandeur of their engineering skills.
Marvels of Ancient Engineering
There is still much mystery surrounding exactly how these massive monuments were built in the middle of the desert thousands of years before the advent of modern technology. It is widely believed that the large blocks of stone were transported along the River Nile, and then moved over the desert by wetting the sand in front of the stone so it could glide more easily over the sand’s surface. The massive stones were then moved into their precise places using a series of sledges and ramps, as well as massive amounts of manpower.
Over centuries, the construction of the pyramids became more elaborate and more grand. Later pyramids, such as those found at the Giza plateau, would have required precise engineering and knowledge of astronomy– as it was designed so its sides face precisely north, south, east and west. However, with all the mystery surrounding Egypt’s pyramids, one thing is for sure: with over 80 existing pyramids in Egypt, it’s nearly impossible to see all of them during a short visit. This article highlights the must-see pyramids on your visit to Egypt and what to expect during your journey to these epic monuments.
Egypt’s First Pyramid
The grandfather of all pyramids in Egypt is the Great Step Pyramid of Djoser, built around 2780 B.C. on the west bank of the Nile at Saqqara, near Memphis. Pharaoh Djoser’s architect, Imhotep, designed the first pyramid by stacking large stones in a graduated design, in what became known as the Great Step Pyramid. The tallest building of its time, the six-tiered step-sided pyramid reached 204 feet tall with various rooms and passages within the tomb. The complex originally consisted of courtyards, temples, and shrines, which are now mostly in ruins around the site.
Over 4,000 years after its construction, the Great Step Pyramid at Saqqara is still intact and well-preserved. Saqqara can be easily accessed on a daytrip from the bustling metropolis of Cairo– making it ideal for coupling it with a visit to the nearby Giza pyramid complex. The remote desert setting gives you a true sense of ancient Egypt, and you can see other pyramids in the distance, as well as the fertile Nile valley in the opposite direction. While not as famous as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Step Pyramid is a must-see for any true pyramid-lover to understand the history and progression of Egypt’s mighty pyramids.
The Great Pyramids of Giza
Easily the most recognizable of the Egyptian pyramids, the Pyramids of Giza are some of the most outstanding examples of engineering in all human history. Located on a plateau on the outskirts of modern day Cairo, the Giza complex consists of several ancient structures and pyramids. The largest, the Great Pyramid of Giza, is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only structure on the list that is still intact. Built around 2613 – 2494 B.C. for the Pharaoh Khufu, the Great Pyramid of Giza stands at a towering 481.4 feet, making it the largest pyramid in the world to this day. Known as the Horizon of Khufu in ancient times, the Great Pyramid of Giza was positioned for precise astrological alignment, showcasing the ancient Egyptians’ impressive knowledge of engineering and astronomy.
The Pyramid of Khufu is joined by two other large principal pyramids– built for Pharaohs Khafre and Menkaure. Three smaller pyramids were built later for Khufu’s queens and are lined up next to the Great Pyramid, as well as a tomb containing the empty sarcophagus of Khufu’s mother, Queen Hetepheres. The massive complex of Giza is also home to the famous Great Sphinx statue– the massive human-headed lion that sits at the base of the Pyramid of Khafre. Egypt’s most well-known pyramids are located at the Giza complex, and there is no shortage of antiquities to be explored at this iconic site. Set against the backdrop of busy Cairo, Giza offers the best of both ancient and modern worlds that you won’t want to miss.
The Evolution of the Pyramid
Representing the progression from the first step-sided Pyramids like at Saqqara and the smooth-sided Pyramids of Giza, the Dahshur pyramid complex is another must-see site in Egypt. The complex includes several pyramids, two of which are among the oldest, largest and best preserved in the country. Built between 2613 – 2589 B.C., the Bent Pyramid was an early attempt at a smooth sided pyramid that was adjusted mid-construction because its sides were initially too steep, giving it a bent appearance. Significantly, the Red Pyramid was the first successful smooth-sided Pyramid built in Egypt, ushering in the era of the Giza style pyramids that would later dominate. Dahshur is also easily accessible from Cairo, with a lot to see in a concentrated area.
Visiting Egypt’s Great Pyramids – Best Time to Visit Egypt
Egypt’s best weather is from October to April, making it the ideal time to travel to the country. December and January are peak tourist season in Egypt, and popular sites can get very busy during this time, so plan your trip accordingly. Friday is a day of rest for much of Egypt, so you will find it easier to travel, with less lines at the more popular pyramid sites. Now that you know which of Egypt’s Great Pyramids you should visit, why not book your trip today with Atlas Travel Web and start exploring by browsing our Egypt Tour packages? Another great way to travel is on an Egypt river cruises along the Nile.
Are you able to go inside when visiting Egypt’s Great Pyramids of Giza?
There are currently 3 pyramids you can enter: Pyramid of Menkaure, Pyramid of Khafre & Great Pyramid of Khufu. Tickets are limited per day so it’s best to travel with an Egypt tour or vacation package that already includes them in the price. Another positive about having everything arranged in advance is that guides and camel riders are often quoted to travelers and half way through the trip, the price is increased. Why not avoid the hassles? Cameras cannot be taken inside, so make sure they are packed away or you will have to check them in at the guards entrance. It’s hot! Make sure you have a hat, sun block and water.
The pyramids of Giza, the tombs of pharaohs in ancient Egypt, one of the 7 Wonder of the World, the representative works of Egyptian civilization, are the symbol of the Egyptian nation. They are also symbols of wisdom, pride, and the over 100,000 craftsmen, slaves and other laborers who were involved in the construction. We strongly suggest you add a visit to your travel bucket list!
