Egyptian Pyramids

Shaniyah (Student)

The word “pyramid” actually comes from the Greek word ‘pyramis,’ which means “wheat cake”  The word pyramis was used to describe the ancient Egyptian buildings because they reminded the Greeks of pointy-topped wheat cakes.

It was the ancient Kemites (known now Egyptians) who built the pyramids.  The Great Pyramid is dated with all available evidence to about 4,600 years ago in the reign of Khufu.  The Great Pyramid of Khufu is one of 104 pyramids in Egypt with superstructure.

The designations of the pyramids—Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure—correspond to the kings for whom they were built.  The northernmost and oldest pyramid of the group was built for Khufu (Greek: Cheops), the second king of the 4th dynasty.

Some researchers suggest the Giza pyramids were built in alignment with the stars

Deep inside the pyramids lays the Pharaoh’s burial chamber which would be filled with treasure and items for the Pharaoh’s use in the afterlife.  The walls were often covered with carvings and paintings.  Near the Pharaoh’s chamber would be other rooms where family members and servants were buried.

Considering the pyramids were built more than four thousand years ago, the exact technique of construction remains a mystery; modern-day equipment was not available at the time.