The Seven Wonders of the World
One of the most famous structures on the list of the seven wonders of the ancient world is The Great Pyramid of Giza. What makes this structure the most recognizable on the list? Not only is this pyramid the oldest structure on the list, but it is the only structure that still remains. The Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest man made structure in the world for 3800 years which is not only a testament to its durability but to its mark as one of the most remarkable structures built. It is no wonder that The Great Pyramid of Giza was placed on the list of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is a fairly typical pyramid. It is not decorated with reliefs or inscriptions, and it is built in the same shape as all other pyramids. The Pyramid of Giza was not the first pyramid to be built, yet this pyramid has become one of the most famous structures in the world. Why has this particular pyramid gained all the fame and glory? The Pyramid of Giza, though not much larger than most pyramids, is in fact the largest pyramid ever built. This pyramid exemplifies the advancements and accomplishments of architecture in Egypt. The pyramid is large, precise and required an overwhelming amount of organization. It is not the pyramid that is so fascinating, but it is the process and method used to create it. Even today, Egyptologists are not completely sure how The Great Pyramid of Giza was built.
In about 2,550 B.C. Pharaoh Khufu ordered the building of his tomb on the plateau of Giza which lies on the outskirts of Cairo. The tomb was designed to protect the Pharaoh’s body as well as his possessions. This would ensure a safe trip with all his belongings into the afterlife. Some believe that Khufu’s vizier, Hemiunu, was the architect of the pyramid whose seated statue was found in the tomb at Giza, but it is not known for sure. The pyramid took just under 30 years to build. The pyramid consists of 2 million limestone blocks each
The Great Pyramid of Giza is a fairly typical pyramid. It is not decorated with reliefs or inscriptions, and it is built in the same shape as all other pyramids. The Pyramid of Giza was not the first pyramid to be built, yet this pyramid has become one of the most famous structures in the world. Why has this particular pyramid gained all the fame and glory? The Pyramid of Giza, though not much larger than most pyramids, is in fact the largest pyramid ever built. This pyramid exemplifies the advancements and accomplishments of architecture in Egypt. The pyramid is large, precise and required an overwhelming amount of organization. It is not the pyramid that is so fascinating, but it is the process and method used to create it. Even today, Egyptologists are not completely sure how The Great Pyramid of Giza was built.
In about 2,550 B.C. Pharaoh Khufu ordered the building of his tomb on the plateau of Giza which lies on the outskirts of Cairo. The tomb was designed to protect the Pharaoh’s body as well as his possessions. This would ensure a safe trip with all his belongings into the afterlife. Some believe that Khufu’s vizier, Hemiunu, was the architect of the pyramid whose seated statue was found in the tomb at Giza, but it is not known for sure. The pyramid took just under 30 years to build. The pyramid consists of 2 million limestone blocks each
Cited: Clayton, Peter A., and Martin Price. The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. London, England: Routledge, 1998. Print. "Destination: The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World." CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News. Web. 16 Mar. 2010.. "NOVA Online/Pyramids/History of Giza." PBS. Web. 16 Mar. 2010. . "Pyramids at Giza, Great Pyramid, History, Information, About, Photos -- National Geographic." National Geographic - Inspiring People to Care About the Planet Since 1888. Web. 16 Mar. 2010. . Photos sources in order shown: http://www.richard-seaman.com/Wallpaper/Travel/MiddleEast/GizaPyramids1.jpg , http://www.planetware.com/i/photo/giza-pyramid-of-cheops-interior-egy139.jpg , http://www.thousandthingstodo.net/images/stories/articles/Pyramide_Kheops.jpg Back to Index