The pyramids of
Egypt
The Pyramids of
Egypt are thousands of years old and yet they still continue to
fascinate in our modern times. These structures are often
surrounded with tales and mysteries to how they were built. The
pyramids of Giza remain the most famous; however, there are
hundreds documented throughout Egypt. These large tombs
were massive and it was believed they took roughly 20 years to
construct—all with precise planning, labor, and power. The
pyramids of Giza are popular and it is estimated they bring 9 million tourists
yearly.
Why Were the Pyramids Built?
The pyramids were built to protect the body of the deceased
pharaoh. These massive tombs were constructed to withstand the
elements of time and were intended to last forever. Most Ancient
Egyptians planned for their death and the pharaoh was no
exception. His death was much more elaborate than the typical
Ancient Egyptian and considered an important event; this process
was tied to the rising and setting of the sun.
It was believed that while alive, the pharaoh represented Horus
and upon his death he represented Osiris. During his state as
Osiris, he would set the sun, while the new pharaoh, his son, in
the image of Horus, would raise the sun. This process continued
for hundreds of years and this is why it was important the
pharaoh be protected eternally to avoid a cosmic disturbance.
The pharaoh also believed that his death was an extension to a
journey towards eternal life. In order to become a “being” of
the afterworld, it was important the pharaoh’s physical body be
safeguarded and recognizable by his spirit, this in turn, lead
to the process of mummification. The process itself consisted of
being embalmed then wrapped in fine linen. Once the process of
mummification was complete, the pharaoh was buried with his most
prized possessions such as jewelry, funerary statues, and items
that would aid him in his afterlife.
What Items Were Stored Inside the Pyramids?
The pyramids were perfect for holding items that would help the
pharaoh in his afterlife. Though the pyramids had been looted
and cleaned before Egyptologists could examine them, there is
significant evidence that they held boats, wooden statues, stone
carvings, clothing, food, and luxury items that the pharaoh
would have needed. These items were most likely the pharaoh’s
valued possessions and were regarded as royal.
More importantly, the pyramids were intended to protect the
pharaoh’s body. In each pyramid a sarcophagus made of heavy
stone protecting the king’s mummy. These heavy stone sarcophagi
were supposed to protect the king; however, they were not strong
enough. They eventually succumbed to tomb robbers and no bodies
were ever discovered. Today the pyramids are empty and only
subtle clues can gives us an insight into how lavish these tombs
once where.
As tomb robbers became more aware of what it meant to discover a pyramid, they quickly went about their business in secrecy. Eventually, the pharaohs became aware of this and looked for other ways to protect their mummies. It was this thinking that forced them to start carving their tombs among cliffs or underground—more notably the Valley of the Kings.
The evolution of the perfect pyramid
As tomb robbers became more aware of what it meant to discover a pyramid, they quickly went about their business in secrecy. Eventually, the pharaohs became aware of this and looked for other ways to protect their mummies. It was this thinking that forced them to start carving their tombs among cliffs or underground—more notably the Valley of the Kings.
The evolution of the perfect pyramid
The pyramids of Giza are the most popular and are the most
visited in Egypt today. These pyramids are grand and elaborate
yet they did not get this way quickly. Rather, it took trial and
error and precise calculating to develop the three pyramids we
see today.
Before the first pyramid was ever constructed the Egyptians
built mastabas. These tomblike structures were large tombs
elevated above the ground. Eventually, this structure progressed
into a small pyramid— six mastabas stacked on top of one
another, each layer being smaller then the bottom one. This
first attempt at building the pyramid had a vertical shaft
leading into the royal tomb. The entrance was constructed in
such a way that it was sealed with a large block of granite.
During the Fourth Dynasty, the Egyptians took it further and
built another stepped pyramid at Meidum. This time they
completed its construction, then extended it, then later filled
the steps with large blocks of stone. It was later coated with
limestone to smooth the sides out. This pyramid’s sides
eventually collapsed so it is believed all work was abandoned.
Close by in Dahshur another pyramid was also constructed. This
pyramid was planned to be smooth from the very beginning. While
building this pyramid, it was concluded the angel at which the
pyramid points was too steep. This made the structure unstable
so the architect had to alter the angle to avoid damage. This
gave the pyramid the appearance of being bent so it was named
the “Bent Pyramid.”
The transition to the perfect pyramid would not be easy. It was
not until another pyramid was built in Dahshur with an angle of
43 degrees was the correct measurements learned and deemed
stable. With this knowledge at hand, the three pyramids were
eventually constructed.
Other Pyramids
Other Pyramids
There are so many pyramids in Egypt yet we only see the pyramids
of Giza being shown in magazines and books. There is roughly
over 100 pyramids. Most of them were abandoned and plundered.
Many of these pyramids stand today and give Egyptologist an
evolution of the pyramids design. Some other common pyramids
that are never shown are the Stepped Pyramid, the Maidum
Pyramid, the Bent Pyramid, and the Red Pyramid.
These pyramids are not usually showcased because they are
considered small in size and are tarnished. Though not
particularly grand to look at, they do offer a great deal of
information to how the pyramids developed.
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