The Great Pyramid(s) of Giza

OK, I know, I’m late! Well, lots been going on. Today, we visited four cities and explored three pyramids. I know it doesn’t sound like much but it was exhausting. Take for instance the Great Pyramid, where we started our adventure this morning at 7:30am.

The Great Pyramid of Giza was built by the pharaoh Khufu between 2551-2528 BC using skilled workers, not slaves as some may believe. This pyramid rises 481 ft, and has a base length of 750 ft (exact) per side. OK, I lied. The base has a variation in length of 1.75” so the sides are not exact. But the base is level within 2.1cm! If you think this is easy, check the dimensions of your home. And this was built using wood and stone tools!

So, Khufu, friends called him “Cheops”, decides that the previous pyramids (I’ll get there, be patient) just weren’t big enough to recognize his accomplishments so he orders this one built. Naturally, there were 1000’s of engineers, managers, designers, supervisors, leaders, and HR reps to help organize and accomplish the work of the 10 laborers placing the 2.3 million stones, some weighing more than 50 tons, in place. Just like today!

After they were finished with the rough outer layer, a covering of finely polished white Tura limestone was placed over the inner layer to make a smooth, shiny surface. On top was a solid gold capstone which somehow over the years was lost.

Back to today. We made our way to the Giza plateau to check out not only the Great Pyramid, but also the other two pyramids and the Sphinx. BTW- this Giza pyramid thing is a family affair with the pharaoh Khufu (Dad), pharaoh Khafre (Son) and pharaoh Menkaure (Grandson) all building pyramids on the plateau. But today we conquer the Great Pyramid! Yes, today Nefermary (Collette’s Egyptian name) and I will descend into the abyss of the pyramid.

Not too bad. The descent was fairly steep which means the ascent was also fairly steep coming out. Hot, absolutely! Think of these stones sitting in 100F temps all day, yes it was hot. No wearing clothes twice here! Coupe of things come to mind while crawling down the 250+ steps using your arms and toes because the opening is about 4ft square. How did they get workers in and out of this shaft; and how did they light the chambers at the end of this tunnel?

We made it down with a moderate level of exhaustion and sweat to enter a large, empty chamber that is known as the “Queens Chamber”. Fairly uneventful except to say that we were deep in the bowels of the Great Pyramid. But now, off to the King’s Chamber which is up, not down, from the Queen’s Chamber. Again, crawling on your forearms and toes up a tunnel no bigger than 4ft square all the way to the King’s Chamber is a bit challenging, and hot.

Once you reach the anti-chamber there is a room about 20ft square, empty, that has an 8-story scaffold stairway leading to another crawl space to yet another scaffold stairway leading to the top of the pyramid. I’m proud to say, we made it. All the way to the top of the Great Pyramid and the King’s Chamber. But again, this is an empty room, no hieroglyphics or markings of any kind, no signs, no water!!!  Well, that was fun, now let’s head out. Back on your forearms and toes for the next 15 minutes and crawl out.

Almost to the top

Crawling up

Yes! The top of the pyramid, from the inside!!!

This may sound like complaining or anti-climatic talk but it isn’t. This was one of the most amazing things we have ever done, climbing the interior of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Over 4,600years old, the last remaining ancient 7 Wonders of the World, and we were inside! Amazing!

But wait, there’s more. Yes, we actually do this again but in the oldest pyramid in the World. Nope, the Great Pyramid is not the oldest pyramid by a long shot. Tomorrow, I’ll tell you about the Step-Pyramid but for now, go to bed and dream of the Pharaohs.

Til then…