A marvelous mystical icon ‘THE GREAT PYRAMID OF GIZA’ is a sight to behold. The Great Pyramid is a delight standing 455 feet tall on a rocky plateau on the west bank of River Nile. It stood high with pride as the tallest man-made structure for roughly 3800 years. One of the seven wonders of the ancient world and the only one left, the Great Pyramid is not only a monument but an actual puzzle to ponder. It is a gem of technical skill and engineering ability built approximately with 2.3 million blocks of limestone each weighing about 2 tonnes cut with precision, transported and assembled to build the astonishing 5.75 million tonne structure. How exactly the monument was built by lifting those hefty stones to a great height to build a precise pyramid is still a mystery to resolve.
The pyramids of Egypt were also built accurately towards north. An additional fun fact, the pyramids were built to the west of the Nile river as the western side symbolised the land of the dead.
People of Egypt believed that the Egyptian pharaohs after death would become gods in the after world. In order to prepare themselves for the for the world after death, they erected fascinating temples for gods and magnificent pyramid tombs for the pharaohs, filled with worldly treasures required by them to sustain and lead their lives in the hereafter.
The Great Pyramid of Giza belongs to a complex of 3 large pyramids Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure each corresponding to the King for whom it was built. It is an embodiment of the grandeur of ancient Egypt. The Great pyramid of Giza was built for the 4th dynasty pharaoh Khufu, which is the largest of the three built at the northernmost, it also contains smaller complexes of its own built for Khufu’s wives.
Construction enigma
Archaeologists are still under the mission of configuring how the pyramids were made. Some believe that about 20,000 workers were used to slice up the huge stones and slowly carry them up the pyramid on ramps by constructing it one block at a time. It is estimated that it took about 23 years to build the astonishing Great Pyramid of Giza. A few also suggest a pulley system.
The base of the pyramid was believed to be a perfect square until the DASH FOUNDATION in 2016 discovered with the help of statistical analysis that it was not a perfect square as the west side of the pyramid exceeded the east by 5. 55inches.It also provides a clue that the pyramid was made with the help of a grid like blueprint by the Egyptians.
Researchers also believe that the pyramid’s capstone were plated with gold marking the apex of the structure that shimmered when the sunstruck them. Due to erosion 25 feet of stone from the structure is eroded. Currently only an iron triangle sits atop representing the pyramidion or capstone.
Awe-inspiring architecture
The Egyptians were indeed much ahead of time in engineering and technical skill as the cornerstone of the pyramid’s foundation were discovered to have been built in a ball and socket construction in order to save them from natural calamities such as earthquakes and heat expansion.
Another amazing trait is the granite coffer lying inside the main chamber of the Great Pyramid. It seems to be perfectly normal until you realise that it a solitary piece of granite that is way too large to fit down or squeeze into any of the passageways of the pyramid. This realization of historians led to the fact that the pyramid was built around the coffer, instead of the coffer being brought inside the pyramid.
Despite the scorching heat of Egypt, the temperature inside the pyramid is maintained at a constant of 20 degree Celsius- the average temperature of Earth.
Interior structure of the Great Pyramid
The entrance of the pyramid lying on the North side about 59 feet above ground level opens into the grand pyramid, from where a sloping corridor descends to the interior masonry which end into an unfinished underground chamber. An ascending passageway leads to a room, the Queen’s chamber and to a huge slanting Gallery. The King’s chamber lies above the gallery completely lined with granite.
Two narrow shafts also run indirectly through the masonry to the exterior of the pyramid, whether it was built for ventilation or for religious purpose is still up for debate. Five compartments separated by granite slab lie above the Kings chamber to shield the ceiling by redirecting the immense force exerted by the masonry.
Artistry
The Tomb art and inscriptions are a tool to research into Egyptian grammar and language. The tomb walls reveal the pharaonic civilization in all aspects.
Pyramid art includes depiction of various fields of Egyptians such as ancient farming, fieldwork, livestock, fishery, fowling, carpentry, clothing, lifestyle of pharaohs and the common man, rituals and burial practices.
Due to the hectic political and economic uprisings in Egypt 2011,tourism of the country which is one of the most important industry for developing the economy of the nation had an adverse effect lowering the tourism in the country.
As humongous as they are the pyramid of Giza are irreplaceable. With the rapid growth in modern Egypt, they will need greater attention and protection in order to remain as the key touch stones of ancient history.
It is a major concern to look after such a splendid architecture resembling rich culture, heritage and technical skill which speaks the past to us through its glory and power.
By HALEEMA AAFRIDHA, PUDUCHERRY
