The only surviving ancient Wonder of the world is still sharing new secrets – thousands of years after construction. No wonder experiencing Egypt’s pyramids is one of the bucket list trips of all time for so many travelers.
The ancient Egyptian pyramids we can all picture are located on the Giza plateau in Cairo, which is home to three main pyramids that served as pharaohs’ tombs: the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren), and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Standing over 450 feet tall, the Great Pyramid is the largest and most famous of the three. It was constructed around 4,500 years ago as a tomb for the Pharaoh Khufu and remains a marvel of engineering, with each of its approximately 2.3 million stone blocks weighing several tons. As the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing, Cheops is one of the most important historical monuments on the planet.
Adding to the mystique of the site is the equally famous Great Sphinx of Giza. This mythical creature, with the body of a lion and the head of a human, is believed to represent Pharaoh Khafre and serves as the guardian of the plateau. The Sphinx, like the pyramids, has endured the test of time and remains a symbol of Egypt’s rich cultural heritage. Standing in front of it, you’ll be captivated by its timeless gaze, along with the awe of the sheer scale and precision of the construction of the Sphinx and Pyramids which have stood for millennia of human history.
Giza is just one of the places in Egypt with pyramids testifying to the incredible ancient – and lost - civilization. They have inspired a number of myths over the millennia of their remarkable time as sources of fascination and travel imagination.
Here are some of the most popular myths that have now been debunked:
Aliens Built the Pyramids
Let’s dismiss some of the wildest claims first! A common conspiracy theory is that extraterrestrials built the pyramids because ancient Egyptians supposedly lacked the skills to do so. But in fact, evidence shows that ancient Egyptians had advanced knowledge of engineering, mathematics, and labor organization to build the pyramids.
So, let’s move right along. And also abandon the myths that the pyramids have some kind of cosmic alignment or mystical power – or that they were even built by giants, like huge LEGO!
Secret Curses and Hidden Treasures
Similarly, despite fantastic stories and Hollywood blockbusters, there’s never been any evidence of curses being part of ancient Egyptian burial practices. And while valuables were interred with their pharaohs, the truth is that any type of ‘treasure’ was looted almost immediately in ancient times. In fact, persistent grave robbing is considered to have been the impetus for royal burials to have been moved away from Giza and into more secretive places, like the Valley of the Kings. No serious scholar expects to discover a hidden treasure trove today.
Built by Slaves
Archeological evidence has now shown that the highly skilled laborers who worked on the pyramids were not slaves but paid workers who were well-fed, provided with healthcare, and given honorable burials.
But how did these skilled laborers manage the incredible feat of pyramid-building?
Built Using Ramps Alone
While it’s generally accepted that ramps were used to transport the massive stone blocks, the myth that simple straight ramps were the only method has been challenged. More recent theories suggest a combination of ramps, cranes, and levers might have been employed, possibly even spiraling ramps that circled the pyramids.
New Theory about Ancient Construction
The latest research suggests another technology might have made even the pyramids in Egypt possible – and only due to conditions that no longer remain in most of Egypt.
The ‘Step Pyramid’ at Saqqara was built in the 27th century BC, and, at over 200 feet tall, was the tallest structure known to be in existence at that time. It was constructed of stones weighing over 600 pounds.
And while ramps, cranes, winches, hoists and other Physics 101 techniques, combined with human strength, are attributed to the more recent, and smaller pyramids, researchers in a new study claim they’ve solved the mystery of how some of the most ancient – and immense - pyramids of pharaonic Egyptian civilization were likely constructed.
A team of engineers and geologists say ancient Egyptians likely harnessed the power of hydraulics to devise and operate a lifting system powered by stored water.
We associate modern-day Egypt with a desert with the mighty Nile running up the middle. But experts point out that thousands of years ago, much of Egypt was more like a savannah, with regular rainfall and more sources of water, including streams and man-made trenches and canals that channeled water to the building site of the Step Pyramid.
These researchers point out that the structure of the Step Pyramid, with an internal vertical shaft, would have accommodated a water-powered ‘elevator’ that could float the immense stones up inside the middle of the structure to be placed as the pyramid’s side kept rising.
As researchers continue to unveil new theories and revelations about the incredible ingenuity and knowledge legacy of ancient Egyptians, travel to see these wonders of human history in person remains one of the most inspiring and intriguing trips any of us can undertake.
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