The Great Pyramid of Giza

Images
Country & Timeline

Country: Egypt

Timeline: 2560-2540 BCE

Description

Immense stone structure on the Giza Plateau, largest and oldest of the three major pyramids at the Giza pyramid complex. Originally 481 feet tall, tallest man-made structure for over 3,800 years. Base covers 13 acres, each side 755 feet long. Core made of yellowish limestone, inner passages and burial chamber of finer limestone and granite. Estimated 2.3 million stone blocks used, weighing 2.5-15 tons each. Precision and accuracy of construction, including alignment with cardinal directions, have fascinated researchers.

Image URLs
Academic Source
  • Wikipedia: Great Pyramid of Giza<br>Simple English Wikipedia: Great Pyramid of Giza<br>Encyclopaedia Britannica: Great Pyramid of Giza<br>Harvard University: The Great Pyramid of Giza (PDF)
Current State

Still exists and is remarkably well-preserved, despite erosion and removal of outer casing stones. Major tourist attraction.

Testimony

Remarkable architectural, engineering, and organizational capabilities of ancient African civilizations. Required vast workforce, sophisticated planning, and advanced knowledge of mathematics, astronomy, and construction techniques. Scale and precision demonstrate high skill and expertise of ancient Egyptian people. Powerful reminder of rich cultural heritage and technological achievements of African societies.

Pride

Immense pride and cultural significance for Egypt and Africa. Monumental achievement of human ingenuity and perseverance, testament to greatness of ancient African civilizations. One of the last Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds special place in collective consciousness. Symbol of enduring legacy of African culture and inspiration for future generations. Continued existence and preservation are a matter of national and international pride.

Citations
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