Facts about Egyptian Pyramids: Interesting History, Builders and Hidden Secrets

Many people look at photos of the Egyptian pyramids and wonder how something so massive was built thousands of years ago, long before modern machines or tools even existed. These giant stone structures are found in Egypt, a country in Africa and they are thousands of years old. People built them so long ago that we still do not know every secret about them. The pyramids were made for kings and they took years of hard work to complete. In this article, we will look at some simple and interesting facts about the Egyptian pyramids, how they were made, who built them and why they are still famous today.

Table of Contents

• What are Pyramids
• When were they Built
• The Great Pyramid of Giza
• How were they Built
• The Great Sphinx
• The Pyramids were Once Shiny White
• Pyramids are Not Only in Egypt
• Why are they Still Standing
• A Symbol of Egypt

What are Pyramids

Pyramids are large buildings made of stone. They have a square base and four sides shaped like triangles that meet at the top. The ancient Egyptians built pyramids as tombs for their kings, who were called pharaohs. They believed that when a pharaoh died, his soul kept living. So they built pyramids to protect his body and the things buried with him.

When were they Built

Most of the famous pyramids were built around 4,500 years ago. This was during a period called the Old Kingdom. Many people think dinosaurs and pyramids existed together, but that is wrong. Dinosaurs were gone millions of years before the first pyramid was ever built.

The Great Pyramid of Giza

The most famous pyramid is the Great Pyramid of Giza. It was made for a pharaoh named Khufu. For more than 3,800 years, it was the tallest building made by humans anywhere in the world. It is about 481 feet tall, taller than a 40-storey building. Even now, scientists wonder how the Egyptians built something so huge without any modern machines.

How were they Built

This is still one of history's biggest mysteries. The pyramids are made of huge stone blocks. Some blocks weigh as much as 2.5 tons, heavier than a small car. Workers had to cut, move and stack these stones without any cranes or trucks. Many historians think the Egyptians used ramps, ropes, wooden sleds and large teams of workers to do this.

People used to think slaves built the pyramids. But now, most historians believe the workers were paid, Egyptian farmers and skilled craftsmen. They worked mainly during the flood season of the Nile River, when farming was not possible.

The Great Sphinx

Close to the Great Pyramid stands another famous structure called the Sphinx. It has the body of a lion and the face of a human. Many people believe it shows the face of a pharaoh and was built to guard the pyramids.

The Pyramids were Once Shiny White

Today, the pyramids look rough and sandy. But when they were built, they were covered with smooth white limestone. This made them shine brightly under the sun. Over time, much of this outer layer broke off or was taken away.

Pyramids are Not Only in Egypt

Many people believe pyramids are found only in Egypt. That is not true. Pyramids can also be found in places like Mexico, Sudan and Peru. But Egypt's pyramids are the most famous because of their huge size and old age.

Why are they Still Standing

The pyramids have lasted for thousands of years because they were built with great care and planning. The ancient Egyptians knew how to balance heavy weights so their buildings would not fall.

A Symbol of Egypt

Today, the pyramids are one of the most visited places in the world. People travel from many countries just to see them. They remind us how smart and hardworking people were, even without the tools and technology we use today.