Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu's Pyramid/Pyramid of Cheops), is the oldest and largest of three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis and is the only remaining member of the Seven Wonders of the World.  There have been various theories regarding the construction techniques used but the generally accepted idea is that it was built by moving huge stones from a quarry and dragging and lifting them into place.

There are three known chambers inside the structure.  The lowest opening is cut into the bedrock upon which the pyramid was built.  The 'Queen's Chamber' and 'King's Chamber' are located higher up.  Interestingly, the base is not a square but rather a 4 pointed star, each side being slightly concave.  This was discovered in 1940, when a British Air Force pilot flew over the site.  

Around the pyramid site are a number of other buildings; two mortuary temples, three smaller pyramids for Khufu's wives, an even smaller "satellite" pyramid, a raised causeway connecting the two temples, and small mastaba tombs for nobles.  The total mass of the pyramid is approximately 5.9 million tonnes. 

Images

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