Interesting facts about the Pyramid of Giza
- Each of the stones that went into the building of the pyramids weighs between 20 and 50 tons, and there were thousands of them utilized when there was no machinery available (i.e, only with manpower).
- Granite was used in the construction of several of the interiors of the pyramids, despite the fact that there is no granite anywhere near Egypt. The closest area where granite may be found is in the vicinity of the pyramids located around 200 miles away.
- The weight of the pyramid is about 5,955,000 tons, according to estimates. When multiplied by 108, this number yields a somewhat accurate approximation of the mass of the earth.
- The Great Pyramid of Giza was the highest man-made building in the world until the construction of the Lincoln Cathedral in England in 1311. Prior to that, the Great Pyramid of Giza held the distinction. It maintained its record for an unbelievable and unprecedented total of 3871 years.
- Location in the Center of the Earth’s Land Mass: The Great Pyramid may be found at the exact geographic center of the earth’s land mass. There are two points on Earth where the east-west parallel that travels over the most land and the north-south meridian that also travels across the most land meet: one of these points is in the ocean, and the other one is at the Great Pyramid.
- The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that is still standing today. It was constructed the longest ago of all of them.
- The mean radius of the sun may be calculated by taking twice the circumference of the bottom of the granite coffer and multiplying that number by 108. 270.45378502 Pyramid Inches multiplied by 10 to the eighth power is 427,316 miles.
- The sides of the Pyramid’s base come together to create a square that is almost perfect. Each and every one of the base’s angles is precisely 90 degrees.
- The cornerstone foundations of the pyramid are constructed using a ball and socket design, which allows them to withstand the effects of thermal expansion as well as earthquakes.
- The Great Sphinx of Giza is the biggest monolith statue in the world, and it stands vigil over the pyramids of Giza.
- It is often thought that the face of the Sphinx is a representation of the visage of Pharaoh Khafra.
- All of Egypt’s pyramids were constructed on the western bank of the Nile, which in Egyptian mythology was considered to be the gateway to the underworld and served as the backdrop for the sun’s descent into the horizon.
- Because the Ancient Egyptians connected the stars in the constellation Orion to Osiris, the god of rebirth and the afterlife, the three pyramids at Giza are precisely aligned with Orion’s constellation. This may have been intentional on the part of the pyramid’s builders, as Orion’s stars were also associated with the Pleiades star cluster.
- The empty coffer in the King’s Chamber of the Great Pyramid is one of the most perplexing aspects of this ancient structure. This coffer is carved from a single block of chocolate-colored granite and is even more durable than the granite walls that surround the King’s Chamber.
- In spite of the intense heat that is present outside, the temperature within the pyramids remains quite stable, hovering around about 20 degrees Celsius (60 F).
- The pyramids were not constructed by slaves or captives but rather by normal employees who were compensated for their labor.
- Even though many people have the impression that hieroglyphics are associated with pyramids, neither writing nor hieroglyphics have ever been discovered within the Great Pyramid of Giza.
- The Pyramid of Cheops was oriented such that it pointed in the direction of the magnetic north. It is, in point of fact, the structure that is oriented to the north the most precisely of any construction in the whole globe. The pyramid continues to point in that direction with just a little deviation, despite the fact that it was built over a thousand years ago.
- Up until the 14th century, the pyramids had such a glistening appearance that they were visible from the moon. However, an earthquake that occurred in the 14th century damaged the sparkling stones that the pyramids were made of, and now only limestones remain.
Transportation and Accommodation
Keep in mind that while the pyramids are located in close proximity to one another and that it is feasible to go to each of the sites, you will spend most of the day walking through thick sand while exposed to direct sunshine.
In addition, it is likely that you will need to travel a distance of at least 7 kilometers in order to see all of the attractions that the region has to offer. If you find that so much walking isn’t your cup of tea, there’s no need to worry about it. You won’t be able to go more than twenty feet without encountering a relentless salesperson who will offer you a trip on the camel’s back.
Camel and Horse Ride fees
According to the rules set out by the government, the fee for a camel, horse, or carriage ride of 30 minutes is 100 Egyptian Pounds (not per person), and the fee for a journey of 60 minutes is 200 Egyptian Pounds (per animal). You shouldn’t listen to anybody who tries to get you to spend more money, and if someone offers you reduced pricing, you should assume that they are trying to pull a fast one on you.
Restrooms located inside the Great Pyramids
Since there are just a few bathrooms within the gate, you should make preparations in advance. Outside of the Pyramids of Giza is where you’ll find the Panorama Sphinx Restaurant in addition to the rest facilities that are available at the entrance. There will be an attendant in each restroom who will expect a gratuity in exchange for keeping the facilities at least fairly clean.
Variety of options for both food and drink
There are just two restaurants in the Giza Pyramid Area, and their names are the Panorama Sphinx Restaurant and the 9 Pyramids Restaurant. If you’re starving, you won’t have any other choice than to pay the exorbitant price for them. In addition to serving both hot and cold drinks, they have a lunch buffet available for 300 LE.
Nearby the Sphinx and just outside the main entrance is where you’ll find the Pyramids Restaurant. After wandering about for a few hours in the desert, you will most likely work up a desire for some food. Their Mixed Grill entrée is flavorful and has just the right amount of stuffing.
Some helpful tips for tourists
- Get to the entrance exactly at 8:00 in the morning to avoid the tour buses and the crowds of people. You won’t have to wait in the enormous lines that often form at the ticket office, though.
- Take a light-hearted attitude and make light of the situation by having some fun with the touts; alternatively, pretend that you do not understand English and just ignore them. Getting upset is not a good idea since the point of this trip is for you to enjoy yourself.
- If you do choose to ride a camel or a horse, you should be forthright about the cost and expectations you have for the experience, and you should maintain those commitments. You may consider recording them when they accept your terms so that you can play it back in case they later change their minds.
- If all of the scams and photographs that were stated above look like your worst nightmare, get in touch with us so that we may make arrangements for a tour guide to accompany you while you are here. In addition to this, they will act as your personal bodyguard and assist you in interacting with members of the community.
- Although the Giza Plateau is closed during the early morning and late evening hours, the views from the Mena House Hotel are nonetheless spectacular. While you are reading our travel guide on the Pyramids of Giza, you should also make it a point to take a look at our list of things to do and see in the fascinating city of Cairo.
- Give your camera a full charge.
- Ensure that your camera is constantly set up and ready to take amazing pictures.
