| The Great Pyramid was built around 2560 BC. It | | | | The precision of the casing stones as equal to |
| had been the tallest man made structure in the | | | | opticians work of the present day. On a scale of |
| world for over 4000 years. It was covered by | | | | acres and to place such stones in exact contact |
| casing stones. These stones formed a smooth | | | | with cement in the joints seems almost impossible |
| outer surface. What is seen now a days is the | | | | in the modern ages. |
| underlying core structure. | | | | Above the roof, which is formed of nine slabs of |
| The pyramid of Khufu and the pyramid of | | | | stone weighing in about 400 tons. The pyramid is |
| Cheops is called the Great Pyramid. It is situated | | | | surrounded by the usual complex of different |
| in Giza, Egypt. According to archeologists this is | | | | buildings. The Giza pyramid complex that includes |
| the oldest of the Seven Wonders and the only | | | | the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, is |
| one to remain largely intact. | | | | surrounded by a cyclopaean stone wall. |
| This is 756 feet long on each side, 450 high. The | | | | About the construction techniques of the great |
| whole structure is perfectly oriented to the points | | | | pyramid, there have been varying scientific and |
| of the compass. | | | | alternative theories. |
| It consists of an estimated 2.3 million limestone | | | | From ancient Egypt, there are about 80 pyramids |
| blocks. You can still see some of the casing | | | | known today. The 3 largest and best preserved |
| stones around the base that once covered the | | | | of these are situated in Giza. The pyramid was |
| structure. The blocks were transported from | | | | built by the orders of pharaoh Khufu. His |
| nearby quarries. | | | | architects were wise, genius and experienced |
| The Tura limestone used for the casing in the | | | | ones. They faced its sides directly north, south, |
| pyramid was quarried across the river. The | | | | east and west. |
| largest granite stone is weigh 25 to 80 tones. | | | | During the Old Kingdom of Egypt, the pharaohs |
| The stones were transported more than 500 | | | | established a stable government in the fertile Nile |
| miles away from Aswan. A few of the casing | | | | Valley. It is said the greatest testaments to their |
| stones can be seen to this day in situ around the | | | | power were the pyramids. They used these |
| base of the pyramid. This displays the same | | | | buildings to strengthen their power over the |
| workmanship and precision as has been reported | | | | people of Egypt. |
| for centuries. | | | | |