The Great Pyramids

A visit to the pyramids and the Sound and Light shows is a magnificent experience with no equal. Being one of the wonders of the ancient world, the construction of the Great Pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx remains a mystery until today. Thousands of years after their construction, the Pyramids never fail to amaze us, from their gigantic size and brilliant construction to the amazing spirit behind them.

THE PYRAMIDS SHOW INTRODUCTION

Every day when the sun sets, the bustling city of Cairo and the famous Giza Pyramids are swallowed into the night’s darkness. However, the enchanting Sound and Light Show manages to bring them back to life. Follow in the footsteps of the Egyptian Pharaohs as the show narrates magnificent tales of our history, stirring your imagination.

MONUMENTS

In one hour, the show narrates the Pharaohs’ history, legends, and secrets, revealing more about the powerful ancient civilization. The Pyramid of Khufu, known as the Great Pyramid, was built on a flat land of 230 square meters and 146.5 meters high when the construction was completed around 2000 years BC.

This pyramid is composed of about 2.3 million blocks of stone, with an average weight of 2.5 tons each. There have been many theories concerning the Pyramids’ construction. However, the most common belief suggests that slaves have contributed to the process under the Pharaoh’s supervision.

Among all the 70 pyramids scattered all around Egypt, the Great Pyramid is the most famous of them all. The three pyramids situated in the Giza Plateau, along with the other structures, adopt the same design and architecture. However, the Great Pyramid has a significant change in the design of burial chambers, including other unique facilities. The Pyramid is unusual compared to other pyramids as the king's burial chamber is not below the surface or at the surface of the earth.

On the pyramid’s eastern side, the temple was placed as the center of the king’s team complex, linked via a paved road from the Nile Valley. Near the pyramid’s southern face, there is a small Satellite Pyramid, belonging to the Dynasty of the King and Queen. Near the southern side, there is a dismantled boat, built of cedarwood, with a length of 44 meters. According to an ancient belief, this boat served as a transition for the king to the afterlife.

Khafre, Son of Khufu, built his pyramid at Giza, next to the pyramid of Khufu, but at a higher level, giving a false impression that both the Pyramids of Khufu and Khafre have the same height. In fact, the pyramid of Khafre is shorter by about three meters. The design, measurements, and construction materials are different from those used in the pyramid of Khufu, showcasing more progress in the construction techniques.

The only difference between the Khafre Pyramid and the others is the large statue, guarding the north of the Valley Temple, the Great Sphinx. With the face of a human and the body of a lion, the Giant Sphinx has mystified historians for years. The name of the Sphinx is a Latin term (Grecian) that means the “picture of life” in the ancient world. Built of granite, the elegant Sphinx is the first example of a royal statue in the world.

LEGEND

Both brilliant and huge, the Great Pyramids have been attracting tourists for years, as well as being an enticing subject of research. The famous historian Herodotus visited them and Antonio, Cleopatra’s lover, climbed them. Around the birth time of Jesus, the French Emperor, Napoleon did more than just a visit, as he actually slept inside one of them. Ever since the ancient time, the pyramids have charmed their visitors like no other, provoking many questions. Who built these prominent structures? How did they come up with the idea? And, how could they build such perfect monuments using primitive tools only?

Archeologists found it difficult to solve all the puzzles, surrounding the Great Pyramids and Sphinx. Being the tallest buildings in the world until modern times, no one can argue about their size or significant architecture. They are not only the largest structure in Egypt but also the only surviving of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Yes, the Great Pyramid isn’t the only pyramid in Egypt but showcases the highest levels of perfection in design and construction. A masterwork that you can’t just surpass! As we don’t know much about Khufu’s reign, we can’t judge whether he was a decent ruler of a cruel tyrant! Who knows?!