Great Pyramid of Khufu

Definition

The Great Pyramid of Khufu, also known as the Pyramid of Giza, is the largest and oldest of the three pyramids on the Giza plateau in Egypt. Built during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom around 2580–2560 BCE, it served as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu and reflects the ancient Egyptians' impressive architectural skills and their religious beliefs concerning the afterlife.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Pyramid originally stood at approximately 146.6 meters (481 feet) tall, making it the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.
2. It was constructed using an estimated 2.3 million blocks of stone, with each block weighing between 2.5 and 15 tons.
3. The pyramid is aligned with incredible precision to the cardinal points (north, south, east, west), showcasing the advanced understanding of astronomy by the ancient Egyptians.
4. The Great Pyramid was originally covered in casing stones made of highly polished Tura limestone that reflected sunlight, making it shine brightly and visible from miles away.
5. The construction techniques used for the Great Pyramid are still debated, with theories suggesting the use of ramps, levers, and a large workforce consisting of skilled laborers and craftsmen.

Review Questions

• How did the design and construction techniques used for the Great Pyramid reflect the technological advancements of ancient Egyptian society?
  • The design and construction of the Great Pyramid demonstrated significant technological advancements in ancient Egyptian society, particularly in mathematics and engineering. The precise alignment with cardinal points indicates a sophisticated understanding of astronomy. Moreover, the ability to transport and assemble massive stone blocks showcases their innovations in construction techniques, suggesting organized labor and resource management that allowed them to undertake such monumental projects.
• Evaluate the cultural and religious significance of the Great Pyramid of Khufu within ancient Egyptian society.
  • The Great Pyramid of Khufu holds immense cultural and religious significance within ancient Egyptian society as it represents the pharaoh's divine status and connection to the gods. It served not only as a tomb but also as a symbol of Khufu's power and authority. The pyramid's design reflects beliefs in the afterlife; it was built to ensure Khufu's safe passage to eternity, allowing him to join the gods. This reinforces how architecture was intertwined with religion in ancient Egypt.
• Assess how the legacy of the Great Pyramid of Khufu has influenced modern perceptions of ancient Egyptian civilization.
  • The legacy of the Great Pyramid of Khufu significantly shapes modern perceptions of ancient Egyptian civilization as a highly advanced society capable of extraordinary architectural feats. Its monumental scale continues to inspire awe and wonder, leading to widespread fascination with Egypt's history and culture. Additionally, it has become an enduring symbol of human ingenuity and perseverance, prompting ongoing research into its construction methods and purpose while reinforcing Egypt's role as a cradle of civilization in global history.

Related terms

Khufu: Pharaoh Khufu, also known as Cheops, was the second pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty and is best known for commissioning the Great Pyramid as his tomb.

Pyramidion: The pyramidion is the uppermost stone or capstone of a pyramid, often covered in gold or electrum to reflect sunlight and symbolize the pharaoh's connection to the sun god.

Mortuary Temple: A mortuary temple is a temple built adjacent to a pyramid for the worship of the deceased pharaoh and for performing rituals to ensure their successful journey in the afterlife.