the Giza Pyramids, Egypt
They’re not exactly along the Nile; not to be nitpicky, but if you’re looking for them, you should know. The Giza pyramids, by far the most famous of some 120 pyramids discovered to date in Egypt, are about 5 miles from the Nile and about 15 miles from the center of Cairo. The pyramids are part of the Giza Necropolis, the burial grounds of 3 4th Dynasty pharaohs, among others.
The Pyramid of Khufu (known as Cheops by the Greeks) is the largest and oldest pyramid at Giza, hence its nickname “the Great Pyramid.” The second largest is the Pyramid of Khafre, son of Khufu. Khafre had the audacity to create the illusion that his pyramid is larger than that of his father by placing it on higher ground and giving it a steeper angle of incline. Khafre’s son Menkaure apparently did not have the same daddy issues, or perhaps he ran into budget restraints. In any case, his pyramid is far smaller than the other two. Somehow, he seems the bigger man for it. All three were built in the 26th century BCE.
Ya’lla travelers at Giza
a Ya’lla traveler at the Pyramid of Khafre
Each pyramid is part of a complex that includes temples, boat pits, small pyramids known as Queens Pyramids, and causeways connecting various structures. Beyond the pyramid complex is a workers’ village. The scholarly consensus seems to be that the pyramids were built by paid laborers, not slaves, probably during the Nile flood season, when there was no farm work to be done.
a Ya’lla group in front of the Pyramid of Khufu, the Great Pyramid
Also on the Giza Plateau, you’ll find the Great Sphinx, which most scholars agree was built by Khafre.
the Great Sphinx, Giza, Egypt
Click to see Egypt tours that include visits to Giza.
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