The wonder of the ancient world
An architectural miracle that after thousands of years still remains mysterious and fascinating. Built with 6 million limestone blocks.
During the construction, every block must be set every 2.5 minutes. It is unknown how the ancient Egyptians’ mechanism of cutting hard stones like red granite and how they lifted blocks weighing hundreds of tons up the sides of the pyramids (that was the time before wheels were invented). And there are more mysteries around the pyramid besides physical architecture.
The pyramid was built some 4,500 years ago during ancient Egypt’s kingdom. At that time, Egypt was a highly centralized monarchy and the old king of Egypt (also called Pharaoh) was very powerful and wealthy.
Giza and the three kings
Giza is the third-largest city in Egypt. There are three principal pyramids: Khufu (the Great Pyramid), Khafre and Menkaure.
Khufu’s architects and engineers embarked on an architectural project that will amaze the world even today. He began the legendary work on his pyramid which is the biggest pyramid ever. After Khufu’s death, the next pharaoh, his brother Khafre, built a pyramid — as well as the Great Sphinx. And Menkaure, Khafre’s son, built his nearby.
Khufu’s legend is quite fascinating. He was a ruler in a relatively peaceful period. Being the pharaoh of a strong kingdom, he could be getting pretty bored. Therefore, he ordered his people (and slaves) to build a magnificent tomb for him — regardless of resources and manpower.
The ancient Egyptians seem to believe that their spirits can live forever if they preserve their bodies well. Khufu wanted his tomb to be the grandest to showcase his power and status. Who would have thought that a selfish act turns out to be a historical contribution!
Guardian creature — the Sphinx
The body of a lion with the head of pharaoh (some say it bears the likeness of the pharaoh Khafra!) or god, the sphinx has come to symbolize strength and wisdom. The Sphinx is built by the ancient Egyptians to guard the tombs and pyramids. Lying just adjacent to the great pyramids, it is one of the largest and oldest statues in the world.
There was also a famous Sphinx in Greek mythology (not sure if this is the same one in Egypt), it was a monster that terrorized Thebes, killing all those who could not solve its riddle. One day, a young prince named Thutmose fell asleep near the head of the Sphinx. He had a dream where he was told the riddle and he answered correctly. And the Sphinx helped him to become Pharaoh of Egypt.
The Void
There are king’s chamber, the queen’s chamber and public gallery in the pyramid. But what researchers and scientists also found that the upper chambers which are empty (so some of them tend to avoid using the word chamber). They call it “void”.
We don’t know what this impressive void is for. And how exactly does this giant pyramid hold itself to last for thousands of years with this significant void within. While the scientists are careful about using any intrusive method of investigation, they make use of advanced technology to scan the space and discovered that it is filled with muons.
Muons
Muons is an elementary particle similar to the electron. Muons are generated in the Earth’s upper atmosphere by cosmic rays (high energy protons) colliding with atomic nuclei of molecules in the air. A daily example of muons is that if you’re reading this article on your phone, 8–10 muons will be passing through the phone to you (harmlessly) when you read this paragraph.
And from there, scientists discovered that the Great Pyramid can collect and concentrate electromagnetic energy in its chambers and at its base.
Pyramid power
It is believed that the pyramid is filled with mysterious power and energy that when you come near it, you can feel a certain magnetic force.
Whether this is true or not remains to be confirmed, but the pyramid is definitely a place to visit in this lifetime.
Costs:
Traveling to Egypt (depending on the season and where you’re from etc.) costs around US$3,000 per person. A day trip to the great pyramid is around $40 per person.
