Great Pyramid

PYRAMID

The ancient Egyptians built pyramids as tombs for the pharaohs and their queens. The pharaohs were buried in pyramids of many different shapes and sizes from before the beginning of the Old Kingdom to the end of the Middle Kingdom.There are about eighty pyramids known today from ancient Egypt. The three largest and best-preserved of these were built at Giza at the beginning of the Old Kingdom. The most well-known of these pyramids was built for the pharaoh Khufu. It is known as the 'Great Pyramid'.

Pharaoh

'Pharaoh' is the term we use today to describe the rulers of ancient Egypt.
'Pharaoh' is actually a Greek word that is based on an Egyptian word that meant 'great house'। When this word was first used, it referred to the palace and its greatness, not just to the ruler himself। However, later in Egyptian history the title 'pharaoh' meant ruler।
Old KingdomA period of ancient Egyptian history that lasted from about 2686 B।C. to 2181 B.C..
Middle Kingdom
A period of ancient Egyptian history that lasted from about 2055 B.C. to 1650 B.C..

Giza
A town located near Cairo in northern Egypt. The site of three large stone pyramids built during the fourth dynasty.

The pharaoh Khufu, like the pharaohs before him, began planning his 'house of eternity' as soon as he took the throne. A spot was chosen for building on the west bank of the Nile.Cemeteries were usually built on the west bank because the sun 'died' on the western horizon every night.

Khufu's architects were wise and experienced men. They knew the importance of building the pharaoh's final resting place so that its sides faced directly north, south, east and west.

They planned a large pyramid- the largest one ever built in ancient Egypt. The outlines of the pyramid were measured and marked in the desert sand.


Then the building began. Large blocks of stone were cut from quarries nearby. They were dragged by groups of men across the desert to the site of the pyramid and set in place. Most of the workers were farmers who worked on building the pyramid during the flood season when their fields were under water.

After the first level of blocks was in place, the workers built ramps of mudbrick, limestone chips and clay. The workers dragged the large stones up the ramps to build the next level of the pyramid.


For about 20 years, hundreds of men worked on building the pyramid. As they built each level, they also built up the ramps around the pyramid.


When the pyramid was almost finished, a special block covered in shining metal (either gold or electrum) was placed on the top of the pyramid.

Then, blocks of white limestone from quarries across the Nile were used to cover the pyramid. The blocks were trimmed to make the outside of the pyramid smooth.

Finally, the pyramid was finished.

Khufu's pyramid was only part of the complex built for him at Giza.

This complex had many different parts:

• Three pyramids for Khufu's queens.
• Several deep pits containing boats that had been buried.
• A mortuary temple where Khufu would be worshipped after he died.
• A causeway leading from the pyramid complex down to the valley temple.
• A valley temple where the pharaoh's funeral would begin.
• A small 'satellite' pyramid.
• The mastaba tombs of nobles.

• 

Outside the pyramid

The Great Pyramid was part of a complex that included a special walkway, two temples, other pyramids, boat pits and the mastabas of nobles.

Complex

1. A group of buildings that are connected in some way;

2. Complicated.

Mastaba

An Arabic word meaning 'bench' that is commonly used to describe an early ancient Egyptian tomb. Mastabas have an underground burial chamber and an above ground offering chapel.

These chapels look like the benches found outside some modern Egyptian homes, thus the word 'mastaba' is used to describe them.