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The Pyramid of Khafre
Great Pyramid of Giza
The Pyramid of Menkaure
Queens Pyramids
The Great Pyramid of Giza (Pyramid of Khufu or Cheops)
The largest and most well-known of the three pyramids, it was built for the Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops) around 2580–2560 BC. Originally standing at 146.6 meters (481 feet), it was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years. Its construction involved around 2.3 million limestone blocks, each weighing an average of 2.5 tons.
The Pyramid of Khafre (Pyramid of Chephren)
The second-largest pyramid, it was built for Pharaoh Khafre (Chephren), Khufu's son, around 2570 BC. It appears taller than the Great Pyramid due to its location on higher ground and the presence of a more intact outer casing at its peak, but it is actually slightly shorter at 136.4 meters (448 feet). This pyramid is also part of a complex that includes the Great Sphinx, which is believed to bear Khafre's likeness.
The Pyramid of Menkaure
The smallest of the three, it was constructed for Pharaoh Menkaure around 2510 BC. It stands at 65 meters (213 feet) tall and is distinctive for its smaller size and the use of more elaborate and complex interior chambers. Unlike the other two pyramids, Menkaure's pyramid was initially encased in granite, which can still be seen at its base.
The Queen's Pyramids
The queen's pyramids at Giza are smaller pyramids located near the three main pyramids and were built for the wives and close relatives of the pharaohs. These subsidiary pyramids typically accompany the larger pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. For instance, adjacent to the Great Pyramid of Khufu are three smaller pyramids believed to be constructed for Khufu’s mother, wife, and possibly a daughter. The queen's pyramids are distinguished by their smaller size and simpler construction, but they still exhibit the impressive architectural skills of ancient Egyptian builders. These structures often include their own small mortuary temples and burial chambers, reflecting the significant status and reverence accorded to royal women in the Old Kingdom of Egypt.
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Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings is a significant archaeological site located on the west bank of the Nile River, near Luxor in Egypt. It served as the principal burial ground for the pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom (c. 1550–1077 BC). Unlike the earlier, more visible pyramids of the Old Kingdom, these tombs were cut deep into the rock of the Theban Hills, intended to be hidden and protected from grave robbers. The valley contains over 60 tombs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun, discovered almost intact by Howard Carter in 1922. The tombs are elaborately decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology and are intended to guide the pharaohs in the afterlife. This site has provided invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices, beliefs, and art, making it one of the most important archaeological locations in the world.
