What is the Remarkable Aspect of the Great Pyramid at Giza?

The Giza plateau in Egypt is one of the most iconic places on Earth. Aside from being home to the Great Sphinx, it has many notable pyramids, most notably the Great Pyramid of Giza — and it’s truly one of the most remarkable structures in human history. The ancient Egyptians built it around 2560 BC, making it one of the oldest surviving structures in the world. It’s still the tallest pyramid in the world, and widest at its base.

At its peak, the Great Pyramid was originally 146 metres high and 230 metres long. That’s taller than a modern 39-storey building. In its construction, it was built out of an estimated 2,300,000 limestone blocks, each weighing up to 2.5 tonnes. For thousands of years, observers have been in awe of this immensely large structure and its seemingly perfect alignment with the cardinal points. The methods that were used to build the pyramid are still mysterious, as is its purpose — was it a place of worship? Burial chamber for pharaohs? Or an attempt to reach the heavens? We may never know, but its mystery certainly adds to its allure.

Aside from its immense scale, another remarkable aspect of the Great Pyramid is its precision. The measurements of its base are incredibly accurate — when it was built, each side of its base was 230 m, which equates to a variance of only about 0.05%. This accuracy is remarkable for such an large structure that was constructed almost five thousand years ago. On top of this, the sides of the pyramid are perfectly aligned to the four cardinal points, north, south, east and west – deviating from true north by only three minutes and from perfect verticality by only four inches over the entire height of the building!

The construction process that was used for the Great Pyramid is a further source of mystery. The fact that each block was able to be hoisted several metres into the air and then fitted perfectly into place with no machinery is mind-boggling — how did they erect this immense structure without modern technology? Archaeologists suggest that the Egyptians utilised a descending ramp and levers to move and lay these heavy blocks — and as we remember accuracy and precision were key requiremenets when they were building – providing us with just a glimpse into the advanced engineering skills held by the Egyptians many centuries ago.

Overall, it is impressive how accurately and professionally this pyramid was built without modern technology. And even though modern engineers have made their own discoveries about how they may have achieved this immense feat, there are still many mysterious aspects surrounding this archeological wonder that leave us with nothing more than awe and wonderment. To this day, we still don’t know exactly how it was built or for what purpose — but that’s what makes it an amazing achievement.

One way to learn more about this incredible structure is to visit one of the Great Pyramid tours available, which will take visitors on a journey back in time and help them figure out just why this is one of the most famous wonders in the world.

An Insider’s Guide to Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, is home to some of the most astonishing historical sites in the world. From the Pyramids of Giza to the Egyptian Museum, Cairo has a plethora of things to see and do. In this guide, we’ll explore the best attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions for visitors to Cairo.

Local Attractions

No trip to Cairo would be complete without visiting the Pyramids of Giza, the most iconic landmark in Egypt. Built over 4,500 years ago, the Great Pyramid of Giza is an engineering marvel that still baffles engineers and historians to this day. Visitors can also go inside the pyramid and explore the burial chamber of the pharaohs. The Sphinx, located in front of the pyramid, is another must-see attraction.

Another popular attraction in Cairo is the Egyptian Museum, which showcases the grandeur of ancient Egypt. The museum has over 120,000 artifacts and antiques from the Pharaonic period. Visitors can see the treasures of Tutankhamun, mummies, and other fascinating relics from the past.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Al-Azhar Park, an oasis in the heart of Cairo. The park offers stunning views of the city and a beautiful green space for picnicking, walking, and relaxing.

Dining Spots

Cairo has an abundance of dining options, from street food to fine dining restaurants. For a local experience, head to El-Fishawy Cafe in the Khan el-Khalili area, one of the oldest and most famous cafes in the city. You can enjoy traditional Egyptian coffee, mint tea, and shisha while listening to live music.

For a more upscale dining experience, go to Sequoia in Zamalek. The restaurant is located on the Nile, offering breathtaking views of the river and the city. The menu features Mediterranean and international cuisine, and the cocktails are some of the best in the city.

Cultural Experiences

To experience the local culture and traditions, check out a Sufi dance performance at Al-Ghouri Complex in El-Hussein. These mystical dance performances are accompanied by traditional music and are a must-see for tourists. Another cultural experience is visiting a bazaar or souk. Khan el-Khalili, the most famous bazaar in Cairo, is home to hundreds of shops selling everything from spices and perfumes to jewelry and souvenirs.

Local History

Cairo has a rich and fascinating history, and there are plenty of historical sites to visit. One site that often gets overlooked is the Citadel of Cairo, a medieval Islamic fortification that was built by Saladin in the 12th century. The citadel has a mosque, several museums, and stunning views of the city.

Another historical site worth visiting is the Coptic Cairo area, which has several ancient churches and monasteries. The Hanging Church, built in the 7th century, is the oldest church in Cairo and a beautiful example of Coptic Christian architecture.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Looking for something off-the-beaten-path? Head to the City of the Dead, a cemetery in Cairo that has been inhabited by people for centuries. The residents live among the tombs and mausoleums, and it’s a fascinating look into a unique way of life.

For a fun and quirky experience, visit the Moomin Valley Park in Heliopolis. The park features statues, murals, and sculptures of the Moomins, a popular Finnish cartoon series. It’s a fun way to spend a few hours and take some unique photos.

Cairo is a city of wonders, and with this insider’s guide, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.