At Egypt's pyramids they are tombs built in stone to house the bodies of the pharaohs.
There are 123 cataloged pyramids, however, the three best known are Cheops, Chephren and Miquerinos, on the Giza peninsula.
This architectural set is guarded by the Sphinx, a mythological being with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh.
History of the Pyramids of Egypt
The pyramids were built at a time when a rich and powerful civilization was flourishing in Egypt.
Its construction began in the Old Empire (around 2686 to 2181 a. C.) and lasted until the fourth century d. a., but the height of the constructions is registered between the Third and the Sixth Dynasty, around the year of 2325 a. Ç.
During this period, Egypt lived under political stability and economic prosperity. In turn, the pharaohs believed themselves to be a kind of deity chosen to be the mediators between gods and humans.
Therefore, after physical death, the Egyptians believed that the spirit of the king, which was known as
ka, remained in the body and needed special care. Thus, their corpses were mummified.In the mummification process, the pharaoh's body was carefully treated with oils and wrapped in bands so that it would not suffer from the wear and tear of time. Some organs, such as the intestine and the liver, were removed, but placed in special urns next to the sarcophagus.
In addition, Pharaoh was buried with everything he would need after death, such as his treasures, food and even furniture. Family members, priests, and officials were also buried with Pharaoh.
The First Pyramids
Until the beginning of the First Dynasty, 2950 a. a., the tombs were carved in rock or structures called "mastabas" were built. These had a pyramid shape, but looked like squares stacked on top of each other and weren't that tall.
The first pyramid used as a mastaba model and was made around 2630 BC. a., by king Djoser, which belonged to the Third Dynasty.
The Egyptians chose the pyramid shape to facilitate the pharaoh's ascent to the heavens, where he would be welcomed by Frog, the most powerful deity in the egyptian mythology.
This pyramid features six stone steps that together add up to 62 meters in height. It was the tallest tomb at the time and was surrounded by shrines and temples for the sovereign Djoser to enjoy in his afterlife.
Djoser's pyramid set a benchmark for royal burials. Among the monarchs who lived long enough to coordinate the construction of their own tomb of the same dimensions was Sneferu, who lived between 2631 BC. Ç. and 2589 a. Ç.
Characteristics of the Pyramids of Egypt
The pyramids are named after the pharaohs whose bodies are buried inside. Each of them represents the greatness of the mandatary for the people and for the gods.
These buildings are part of a funerary complex that was used by pharaohs and high officials. The three most famous pyramids are Cheops, Chephren and Mikerinos.
Let's meet them?
Pyramid of Cheops
The pyramid of Cheops is the largest tomb in the world with 230 meters wide at the base and its height is 174 meters.
Three small pyramids were built in line with the tomb of Cheops and served to house the bodies of the queens. There is also a tomb with the sarcophagus of Queen Hetepherés, mother of Cheops, and other smaller pyramids and mastabas to house the king's servants.
The pyramid of Cheops is made up of 2.3 million stone blocks that weigh about 2.5 to 60 tons each. The construction work would have lasted 20 years and had the strength of 100,000 men.
Pyramid of Khafre
The second largest pyramid on the Giza peninsula was built to house the body of Pharaoh Chefren, 143 meters high. Quefrén was the son of pharaoh Cheops and, out of respect for his father, he made his pyramid 10 meters lower.
Next to it is the Sphinx of Giza, the largest in the ancient world, 200 meters long and 74 meters high.
Pyramid of Mikerinos
The smallest of this group of three pyramids was built for the body of Mikerinos, who reigned between 2532 and 2503 BC. a., son of Chefren and, therefore, grandson of Cheops. It is 65 meters high and has a base of 105 meters.
Inside, the same architecture of chambers, steep corridors and false passages is repeated in order to outwit tomb robbers.
Unfortunately, this step did not help much, as virtually all the treasures in the pyramids were looted.
End of the Age of Pyramid Building
As the power and wealth of the kings of Egypt dwindled, the pace of pyramid building fell. Throughout the fifth and sixth dynasties, buildings were getting smaller and smaller.
In the tomb of king Unas, who lived between 2375 and 2345 a. a., it is possible to contemplate paintings related to his reign. These are the first compositions that allow knowledge of ancient Egypt.
The last of the great builders was Pharaoh Pepi II, second sovereign of the Sixth Dynasty and who lived between 2278 and 2184 BC. Ç. After his death, Egypt collapsed and, only in the 12th Dynasty, the building of pyramids was resumed, but without the previous grandeur.
How were the Pyramids of Egypt Built?
The construction of the pyramids is among the greatest mysteries in engineering. It is known that the Egyptians made mathematical calculations based on their religious beliefs and this ended up determining the height and width of these buildings.
The workforce consisted of both slaves and free workers. All this, from enslaved foreigners to Egyptian peasants who worked during the flood regime of the Nile.
Likewise, numerous artisans and painters were employed who manufactured the objects that would be placed to serve the pharaoh in the afterlife.
To transport the limestones that made up the pyramids, there are several theories. There are even those who believe they were built with the help of extraterrestrials.
However, at the end of 2014, Dutch scientists presented the last of the accepted hypotheses, which would imply the use of water to move the stone blocks.
The theory arose from the observation of images of a person throwing water in front of what would be a sled where a stone pulled by at least 150 workers was placed.
The Egyptians also took advantage of the floods of the Nile River to transport stones through its bed.
Fun Facts about the Pyramids of Egypt
- The humblest people also wanted to share in Pharaoh's glory. So, in 2010, researchers discovered a ditch with 400 bodies of malnourished people near one of the pyramids.
- The expression "pharaonic work" comes from buildings in Ancient Egypt and is related to the grandeur of the buildings.
- The pyramid of Cheops was the tallest building on the planet until the 14th century, when Lincoln Cathedral was built in England.
