The Pyramids at Giza

Egypt is very well known for its pyramids. The Egyptian pyramids were monuments built for the pharaohs and their closest relatives to serve as a permanent burial place. Pyramids developed from the mastaba, a low, rectangular stone structure which was erected over a tomb. The oldest pyramid known is the Step Pyramid of King Zoser at Saqqara (c. 2650 BC). In the center is a large mastaba. Around this are six terraces of descending sizes, one built on top of the other. Nearby were other buildings whose function related to the cult of the dead.

A characteristic feature of Egyptian pyramids is a temple complex constructed a short distance from the pyramid and connected by a causeway. The most elaborate example of the temple complex is found at Giza where the 4th dynasty pyramids of Kings Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaura were built in close proximity to each other. The pyramid of Khufu is the largest in the world. The base of the pyramid measures 230 meters on each side and the height originally measured 147 meters. Beginning in the 10th century AD the entire Giza complex served as a source of building materials for the construction of Cairo. The result was all three pyramids were stripped of their original smooth outer facing of limestone.
The first pyramid at Giza was built for King Khufu. Khufu was a pharoah of the 4th dynasty. This pyramid is the largest of the three at Giza, though the second, built for King Khafra appears to be taller. In reality however, this second pyramid was simply built on higher ground. Khafra, the brother of Khufu reigned for 18 years. (2758-2742 BC). His pyramid is known as "The Great Pyramid", though less elaborate than his brothers. Last but not least, the final pyramid at Giza was built for King Menkaura, son of Khafra. He reigned from 2490-2472 BC. His pyramid, though smaller than the other two, is more complex than either.

The three pyramids at Giza have a rather unusual layout. Each is placed along the North South meridian, with the faces of the pyramids pointing directly N, S, E and W. The larger two are neatly placed along a wouthwest diagonal, with the third slightly offset and smaller. It is assumed that this peculiar layout was a deliberate choice made by the architects; but why?
Menkaura, for whom the smaller pyramid was built, ruled as long as Khufu and Khafra. Essentially he was viewed as equal to them, leaving the size of his pyramid a mystery. Perhaps there was a shortage of resources, or perhaps they were in a hurry when building the tomb. Still, neither of these seem logical or even sufficient explainations.
Perhaps the answer comes in looking at the pyramids as part of a plan rather than three individual pyramids. "The chain of pyramids were not seen as individual tombs, but as an ensemble expressing the supreme ideologies of a rebirth cult." (The Orion Mystery, page )

Utterance 600 is a passage of pyramid text that makes direct statements concerning the pyramids. It says that the pyramid constructions are to be considered Osiris. (ORION) This leads one to believe that the pyramids are symbols of Orions belt. The layout of the pyramids matches the stars with precision. The intensity of the stars, shown by the size of the pyramids correspond directly with one another. This picture, for example, shows the relationship between the Giza pyramids (from bottom to top: Khufu's, Khafra's, and Menkaura's), and the stars of the constellation Orion's belt.

In addition the pyramid Nebka at Abu Ruwash is similar to the star at Orions left foot. The pyramid Zawyat al Aryan is equivalent to Bellatriz in Orions left shoulder. This leaves no pyramids to match the stars Betelgeuse and Rigel. It is concluded that these were either never built or destroyed. Therefore, with five of the seven Orion stars accounted for, the conclusion can be made that these pyramids are , in actuality, representative of Osiris himself. With this in mind, it is quite amazing that the egyptians themselves shared such an intense understanding of, as well as appreciation for the constellations.