The Great Pyramid of Giza (also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops) is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex bordering present-day El Giza, Egypt. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact.

Based on a mark in an interior chamber naming the work gang and a reference to the fourth dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu, some Egyptologists believe that the pyramid was thus built as a tomb over a 10- to 20-year period concluding around 2560 BC. Initially at 146.5 metres (481 feet), the Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world for more than 3,800 years until Lincoln Cathedral was finished in 1311 AD.

PRECISE CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES

The Great Pyramid’s construction showcases remarkable precision. Its base is level to within just 2.1 cm, a testament to the ancient Egyptians’ surveying skills. The pyramid’s sides are aligned to the cardinal directions with extraordinary accuracy, deviating by only 3/60th of a degree from true north.

INNOVATIVE INTERNAL STRUCTURE

Inside the pyramid, a series of ingenious architectural elements can be found. The Grand Gallery, a 47-meter-long and 8.5-meter-high corbelled passageway, features an intricate system of limestone beams that distribute the enormous weight above it.

ADVANCED MATERIAL USAGE

The ancient builders utilized approximately 2.3 million limestone blocks, each weighing an average of 2.5 tons. Remarkably, the joints between these blocks are so precise that a knife blade cannot be inserted between them, even after millennia.

SOPHISTICATED VENTILATION SYSTEM

Engineers have discovered a complex network of air shafts within the pyramid. These narrow channels, measuring about 20 cm x 20 cm, are believed to have served both religious purposes and as a ventilation system for workers during construction.

MATHEMATICAL AND ASTRONOMICAL ALIGNMENTS

The pyramid’s dimensions incorporate the mathematical constant pi (π). The ratio of its perimeter to height is approximately 2π, suggesting an advanced understanding of geometry. Additionally, the alignment of the descending passage points to the North Star, indicating astronomical knowledge.

ANCIENT LIFTING MECHANISMS

While the exact methods remain debated, evidence suggests the use of sophisticated ramps and levers for lifting the massive stones. Some theories propose the use of water to lubricate surfaces and create counterweights, showcasing innovative problem-solving in ancient engineering.

MORTAR MYSTERIES

The mortar used in the Great Pyramid has puzzled modern scientists. Its composition remains not fully understood, and intriguingly, it is stronger than the limestone blocks it bonds, contributing to the structure’s longevity.

TEMPERATURE REGULATION

The Great Pyramid maintains a constant interior temperature of about 20°C (68°F), regardless of external conditions. This natural climate control is a testament to the builders’ understanding of thermal dynamics and insulation techniques.