What Structures are Located in the City of Giza?
The city of Giza is part of the greater Cairo metropolitan area region in Egypt and is home to some of the most iconic structures known to man. The pyramid complex comprising the Great Pyramid of Giza – the oldest and largest ancient pyramid in the world – and three smaller pyramids, forms one of the most recognisable landmarks in history. The Great Sphinx of Giza, a lion with the head of a human, stands nearby. Alongside these two architectural marvels are a range of other monuments, including temples, tombs, and smaller pyramids, relics from the 4th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt (2575 – 2467 BCE).
In the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt, Giza was an important religious centre due to its close proximity to the capital city of Memphis, as well as its location on the west bank of the Nile river. Giza was chosen for its strategic cemetery layout, which made it easier for families to transport their deceased along the waterway for burial.
The city of Giza is home to five main structures which have made it world-renowned: the Great Pyramid, the three smaller pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the Solar Boat Museum.
The Great Pyramid
The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as Khufu’s Pyramid, is estimated to have been built around 2580 BCE and is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids found in Giza. Built by Pharaoh Khufu of the Fourth Dynasty, it stands at a height of 479.5ft and is made up of 2.3 million limestone blocks. The casing stones which once covered its whole exterior were taken by local rulers to be used in their own buildings during the Middle Ages.
The interior features chambers and passageways which were thought to have been designed to ward off tomb robbers while aiding in the process of mummification. The Queen’s Chamber and King’s Chamber are the main chambers located at the centre of pyramid while a third chamber lies beneath them which is thought to have been used to store ritualistic artefacts.
The Great Pyramid remains one of the most impressive feats of ancient engineering and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979 https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/22/. It stands as a testament to the incredible power of Ancient Egypt and remains an enigmatic puzzle for archaeologists today.
The Three Smaller Pyramids
Situated just south of their larger counterpart are three smaller pyramids which are thought to have been built for Pharaohs Khafre (Khafra) and Menkaure (Mycerinus), two other rulers of the Fourth Dynasty. Dating back to somewhere between 2558 – 2532 BCE, they are respectively named, from north to south, Khufu’s Pyramid East (Khafre’s Pyramid), Khufu’s Pyramid South (Menkaure’s Pyramid), and Khufu’s Pyramid (Mastabat al-Fara’un).
Compared to their larger brother, these structures have fared better over time due to a different composition of inner casings. The northernmost pyramid retains a small remnant of its casing stones; while those on Menkaure’s pyramid are completely gone, thanks largely to 19th century attempts at uncovering its inner sarcophagus.
The Great Sphinx
Standing rigidly to the east of Khufu’s pyramid is the ancient Great Sphinx, also known as “Hor-Em-Akhet” or “Horus of the Horizon”. Carved from the limestone face of a ridge in 2500 BCE, this giant monument measures 66ft high and 241ft long. The head is thought to be an image of Pharaoh Khafre, with a lion’s body representing his strength and power.
During its construction it is thought that openings were built into certain areas of the structure which served as air-shafts and passageways; while some scientists today hypothesise that its design mirrors earlier astronomical observations recorded by Ancient Egyptian priests. Regardless, this magnificent creature evokes a sense of awe and mystery to the millions who visit each year.
Solar Boat Museum
In 1954 a team led by archaeologist Kamal el-Mallakh discovered a large intact granite boat buried near Khufu’s Pyramid. Estimated to be built over 4500 years ago, it consists of 143 pieces weighing more than 60 tons and measuring 43m in length when assembled. Thanks largely to hieroglyphic evidence found on its hull pieces, it’s believed that this ancient vessel was built for Pharaoh Khufu himself as an eternal resting place for his journey into the afterlife. It’s now housed at the nearby Solar Boat Museum http://www.egypttravelcaire.com/index2.php?ActiveID=127&lg=en.
In conclusion, Giza is home to some of the most iconic structures in history thanks to its close connection with Ancient Egyptian culture and religion. From towering pyramids to one-of-a-kind monuments, Giza has become an extraordinary source of fascination for experts and travellers alike. As time passes these structures will only continue to teach us more about our past and remain one of humanity’s greatest accomplishments.
