PYRAMIDS OF GIZA

The Pyramids and their guardian Sphinx have rivalued the world's greatest cathedrals and temples as hallowed monuments, and were regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Pyramids unified life and death, heaven and earth, gods and humanity, light and dark. The Great Pyramid built by King Khufu (Cheops in Greek) the second King of the IV Dynasty (ruled 2551-2528 B.C.) covers an area of 13 acres. Its original height of 146 meters has now become 137 meters after the erosion of its summit. It consists of two million blocks of limestone ranging in weight from 2.5 tons to 15 tons. The Second Pyramid was built by King Khafre (Chephren in greek, ruled 2520- 2494 B.C.) Although smaller than the Great Pyramid, it seems equally tall and imposing due to its fortunate site higher on the plateau. Its interior is simple with two entrances on the north side. Part of the pyramid still bear traces of the outer limestone casing that once covered all of the Pyramids. The Third Pyramid of Menkaure (Mycerinus in Greek, ruled 2490 - 2472 B.C) is smaller in size than its predecessors and never finished. Its height is 62 meters. It is distinguished by the fact that the lower parts of its sides still retain their granite slab coverings.