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The pyramids of Giza, situated on the outskirts of Cairo are one of the most famous yet intriguing wonders of the world. It is a spectacular sight while still remaining a mystery for some. But how much do we really know about these wonderful pyramids? Let’s us today read 10 interesting facts about the pyramids of Giza
- The three very famous pyramids of Giza known as Cheops (The Great Pyramid), Chephren and Mycerinus are very popular in Egypt and attract people from all over but there are more than 130 different pyramids lying in Egypt apart from the pyramids of the Giza plateau.
- They are the oldest surviving out of the seven wonders of the Ancient world. In fact, not just surviving the pyramids remain intact till date. Other wonders included the Lighthouse of Alexandria, Colossus of Rhodes and Statue of Zeus at Olympia.
- All the Pyramids in Egypt, including the pyramids of Giza, are situated on the west banks of river Nile. This is because when the sun sets every evening over it, it symbolizes the realm of the dead.
- The Pyramids of Giza were made from approximately over 2 million stone blocks that range from two to over fifty tons. It is estimated that over 100,000 people were involved in the construction of the pyramid all of which were not slaves but paid workers. The transportation of the stone blocks still remains unknown till date.
- Despite the very harsh and scorching heat of Egypt, the pyramids constantly maintain a temperature of 20° Celsius on the inside which is the average global temperature.
- The Pyramids of Giza were once white! Yes, they were covered with a white casing which was made up of limestone which was so shiny that it reflected back the rays of the sun. Unfortunately, over the time these casing disappeared due to various reason like earthquakes or crumbling. Some of it was even taken to build other buildings.
- Although hieroglyphics ( a character of the ancient Egyptian writing system) is generally associated with the pyramids of Giza there has been found no writings or any connection to hieroglyphics ever found in the Great Pyramids of Giza.
- The pyramids were once
rumored to have a swivel door weighing up to 20 tons, which can easily be opened from the inside but cannot be detected from the exteriors. - The Egyptians were excellent architects and were said to be ahead of their times. That can be proved with their construction of the cornerstones in the pyramids of Giza. The cornerstones have been built in a ball and socket construction in case of earthquakes or heat expansions.
- A granite coffer lies inside the main chambers of the Pyramids of Giza. The surprising or rather shocking aspect of this is that this seemingly normal coffer is made up of a single piece of granite. Therefore, it is impossible to get it inside through the passageway which opens to the main chambers. Historians believe that the pyramids were constructed around this granite coffer rather than bringing the coffer inside after the construction.
