A view of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Photo by Keith Adler. Wikimedia Commons

Inside the Pyramid of Giza: 10 Things you need to Know


 

Egypt is a very beautiful country with a variety of history and several pyramids that attract masses from every corner of the globe. The Pyramid of Giza is the biggest of all the pyramids found in Egypt and holds the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu of the Fourth Dynasty. The magnificent structure was built in the 26th century and took about 27 years to be completed. Of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is the oldest and also largely maintained intact. For more than 3800 years the spectacular pyramid remained the tallest man-made structure standing at 146.6 meters. Over time the limestone that had constructed the pyramid eroded lowering the height to 138.5 meters. The inside of the pyramid also hosts the tombs of the wives of Khufu as well as boat pits, a causeway, a mortuary temple, and a valley temple.

Below are the ten things you need to know about the inside of the pyramid of Giza

1. The Pyramid has Two Distinct Tunnel System

Inside the Great Pyramid of Giza. Photo by Mike McBey. Wikimedia Commons

One of the unique features contained inside the pyramid of Giza is the two distinct tunnel systems upper and lower tunnels. The lower tunnel system corresponds with the earlier monuments while the upper system is very unique to the great pyramid. The former system also begins at about 56 feet above the ground and continues to a descending passage deep in the bedrock where the pyramid was built. The second tunnel which is within the main bulk of the pyramid leads to a series of funerary vaults.

2. The passage Becomes Narrower and Narrower as you Ascend the Pyramid

As you ascend inside the pyramid it becomes narrower and narrower with some segments having a height of fewer than 1.5 meters high. Due to the severe slips that might be experienced, the path walk contains non-slip wooden boards, some lighting lamps as well as handrails to facilitate easy movement. The tourists also have to keep bending over as they climb up every time. The beautiful hulking pyramids are also very difficult to construct which makes the visitors marvel at the wisdom used during the ancient period.

3. The Space inside is not Very Spacious

First Lady Melania Trump tours the interior of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Photo by The Trump White House Archived. Wikimedia Commons

The pyramid of Khufu is said to be the largest and tallest of all other pyramids in Egypt with about a height of 40 floors. Since the pyramids look very tall and large from the outside, very many people think that they must be spacious inside but that is not the case. The entire pyramid is the size of a similar stone piled. For the pyramid to maintain its stability, it is difficult to leave a lot of space inside.

4. Autumn is the Best Season to Visit the Pyramid

Cairo has only two seasons which include summer and autumn, while autumn remains the best to make your trip to Egypt. The autumn season in Cairo begins from October to April of the next year and during that period the temperatures are relatively pleasant. The weather is very welcoming to allow you to visit pyramids in the desert to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

5. Cameras are Not Allowed Inside the Pyramid

Although most of the visitors travel with cameras to capture good memories, there are no cameras allowed inside the pyramids. They all have to be left to the staff at the entrance of the pyramids. While going inside, some inappropriate clothing is not encouraged to be worn including shorts, skirts, slippers, and sleeveless blouses. They are micro cameras installed inside the pyramid and any damage is highly prohibited.

6. It is a Major Tourist Attraction in the Country

Tourists at the center of Giza pyramid. Photo by Mike McBey. Wikimedia Commons

Egypt is a country that is popularly known for several tourist attractions and the great pyramids are major attractions. Most of the visitors to the beautiful city have to visit the pyramids and have a wonderful experience inside. The residents also have an opportunity to visit the area and learn more about the history and culture of the local people.  

7. The Stones used were Collected from the Sandstone

The stones that were used to build the inside of the pyramid were gathered from the sandstone in a desert found near Giza. The limestone that was used for the construction of the outer part of the pyramid was transported from the east bank of the River Nile. The tombs as well as the grand gallery located inside the pyramid are built using granite which is transported from Aswan 960 kilometers away. The stones used to build the pyramids are brought on land as a result of Nile flooding every year.

8. The Pyramids were not Built by Slaves

Several people believe that pyramids were built by slaves but this is however not true. The study of the work record that was carried out, showed the existence of employment relations. The research carried out proved that there were about 20,000 casual workers and 5,000 permanent employees involved in the construction process. The workers who died during the construction process were buried in a nearby cemetery.

9. It is a Historical Site for the Country of Egypt

The great pyramid of Giza. Photo by Jorge Láscar. Wikimedia Commons

Being one of the rare places to see and visit in the world makes the pyramid a great feature to visit. There is massive history found inside the pyramid especially the early leadership of the country. Several features inside the pyramids show the history of the land including the early architectural designs.

10. It Contains the Tomb of the Ancient Egyptian Emperor

The magnificent pyramid is believed to host the tomb where the ancient Egyptian emperors were laid to rest. Inside the pyramid, there are three chambers in which two of which are referred to as the King’s Chamber and the Queen’s Chamber.

The pyramid of Giza is a very spectacular place to visit especially during the summer and autumn. It was however not built by the slave although many people believe so since there was researched that proved existence of employees. Most of the stones that were used for the construction were collected from the floods of the River Nile.

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