Pyramids in Egypt
There are about 80 pyramids in Egypt today.
The three largest and best-preserved were built at Giza (near Cairo) at the beginning of the Old Kingdom over 4,500 years ago. These pyramids were part of the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World," and they are the only "wonder" still standing today.
The largest of the three is called The Great Pyramid. It is the largest pyramid in the whole world. The Great Pyramid was built for King Khufu. It is the pyramid on the right side of the first picture. It may not look the biggest in the picture because it is the furthest away and also sets on a lower piece of land.
The middle pyramid was built for Khufu's son Khafre. On the left is Menkaure's pyramid. He was the grandson of King Khufu and the son of King Khafre.
The three small pyramids in front were for Menkaure's three wives.
It took over 2.3 million (2,300,000) blocks of white limestone to make the Great Pyramid. Much of the limestone had to be brought across the Nile River.
A simple machine called a pulley was used to help pull the limestone blocks to the river, get the blocks on boats and get them to the other side.
Three types of pyramids were built: step, bent and true.
- Research completed by Aston C. and Fiona H.
