The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest of all the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and is the only one still intact. As the burial chamber for the fourth dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu, it took an estimated 20,000-30,000 workers to build over a 20 year period.
Here are a few more facts about the iconic architectural marvel:
1. The Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure for over 3,800 years, until Lincoln Cathedral's spire surpassed it around 1300AD in England.
2. It is estimated the Great Pyramid consists of more than 2.3 million limestone rocks, unless it was built on top of a substantial core of rock. While this is possible, scientists still aren't certain.
3. Contrary to popular belief, the pyramids were not built by slaves. They were actually built by workers who lived in the surrounding villages. While no ancient artwork already discovered depicts female workers, archaeologists have found the skeletal remains of women which show evidence of heavy lifting of stone. Therefore, it has been concluded that women may have had a part in the building of these massive structures.
4. You can enter the tomb of the Great Pyramid, but you'll have to the use Robbers' Tunnel dug by workmen employed by Caliph al-Ma'mun around AD 820. Recently, the entrance to the Pyramid has been restricted to groups of 100 morning and afternoon. The reason for this involves the moisture in our breath. When we exhale, the moisture creates salt within pyramids and tombs resulting in damaging cracks.
5. Under the leadership of Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquties, photography inside the pyramid is now strictly forbidden.
Do you think the amount of visitors to the Pyramids in should be limited in order to preserve them?
Witness the sheer magnitude of the Great Pyramid with your own eyes on our Egyptian Odyssey tour.