The most fascinating fact about the Great Pyramid of Giza is that it was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years. Built around 2600 BC as a tomb for the pharaoh Khufu, it originally stood at 146.6 metres (481 feet) and held this record until the Lincoln Cathedral was completed in England in the 14th century.

How were the pyramids built?

The Pyramids of Giza were constructed using an astonishing amount of stone and human effort. The Great Pyramid alone is composed of an estimated 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing an average of 2.5 tons. The total weight of the structure is estimated at around 6 million tonnes. While the core was built with local limestone from the Giza plateau, the outer casing was made of fine, white Tura limestone, and the internal chambers used enormous granite blocks brought from Aswan, over 800 km away.

Surprising Facts About the Pyramids

Beyond their immense scale, the pyramids hold many secrets and remarkable details. Their construction reflects an incredible understanding of engineering, logistics, and astronomy that continues to baffle experts today.

10 Verified Facts About the Giza Pyramids

  • They weren't built by slaves. Archaeological evidence, including workers' cemeteries discovered in 1990, shows the pyramids were built by tens of thousands of skilled, paid Egyptian labourers who were organised and well-fed.
  • The Great Pyramid was originally white and shiny. The structure was covered in a casing of highly polished white Tura limestone that would have reflected the sun's light, making it gleam like a jewel. Most of these casing stones were removed over the centuries for other building projects.
  • It was the world's tallest building for millennia. Initially 146.6 metres (481 ft) tall, the Great Pyramid remained the tallest man-made structure on Earth for more than 3,800 years.
  • The three pyramids are astronomically aligned. The pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure are aligned with remarkable precision to the cardinal points of the compass and some theories suggest they mirror the stars in Orion's Belt.
  • The temperature inside is constant. Thanks to the massive stone structure, the temperature inside the Great Pyramid remains at a constant 20°C (68°F), regardless of the scorching desert heat outside.
  • The Great Pyramid has three known chambers. These include the unfinished Subterranean Chamber cut into the bedrock, the so-called Queen's Chamber, and the King's Chamber at the heart of the pyramid, which contains the granite sarcophagus.
  • The architect was likely the pharaoh's vizier. Hemiunu, the vizier to Pharaoh Khufu, is widely believed to be the architect and overseer of the Great Pyramid's construction.
  • The mortar used is a mystery. The mortar used in the construction is of an unknown origin. It has been analysed and its chemical composition is known, but it cannot be reproduced.
  • It's the last surviving ancient wonder. Of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid is the oldest and the only one that remains largely intact.
  • Construction took approximately 20-30 years. Modern estimates suggest the monumental task of building the Great Pyramid was completed in about two to three decades by a dedicated and highly organised workforce.

What was the purpose of the pyramids?

The primary purpose of the Giza pyramids was to serve as elaborate tombs for three Fourth Dynasty pharaohs: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Ancient Egyptians believed in a divine afterlife for their kings, and these structures were designed to protect the pharaoh's body and possessions for his journey to the next world. The entire Giza complex, including temples and smaller tombs, was a vast necropolis dedicated to ensuring the ruler's eternal life.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the pyramids?

Yes, visitors can go inside all three of the main pyramids at Giza, though it requires purchasing a separate ticket for each one in addition to the general site entry fee. The passages can be narrow and steep, so it may be challenging for those with claustrophobia or mobility issues.

How old are the pyramids of Giza?

The Pyramids of Giza are approximately 4,500 years old. They were constructed during Egypt's Old Kingdom, with the Great Pyramid of Khufu being built around 2600 BC.

How many stones did it take to build the Great Pyramid?

The Great Pyramid is constructed from an estimated 2.3 million stone blocks. These blocks vary in size, with the average weighing about 2.5 tons, but some of the granite blocks used for the King's Chamber weigh up to 80 tons.

Ready to witness this ancient wonder for yourself? Explore our guided tours to discover the secrets of the pyramids with an expert guide, or book tickets to explore at your own pace.