For millennia, the largest structures on Earth were pyramids—first the Red Pyramid in the Dashur Necropolis and then the Great Pyramid of Khufu, both in Egypt —the latter is the only extant example of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Pyramids of Giza, three 4th- dynasty (c. 2575–c. 2465 bce) pyramids erected on a rocky plateau on the west bank of the Nile River near Al-Jīzah (Giza) in northern Egypt. In ancient times they were included among the Seven Wonders of the World.
The pyramid's smooth, angled sides symbolized the rays of the sun and were designed to help the king's soul ascend to heaven and join the gods, particularly the sun god Ra.
The Great Pyramid of Giza[a] is the largest Egyptian pyramid. It served as the tomb of pharaoh Khufu ("Cheops"), who ruled during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. Built c. 2600 BC[3] over a period of about 26 years, [4] the pyramid is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only wonder that has remained largely intact.
It is located on the Giza plateau near the modern city of Cairo and was built over a twenty-year period during the reign of the king Khufu (2589-2566 BCE, also known as Cheops) of the 4th Dynasty.
The largest and most famous of all the pyramids, the Great Pyramid at Giza, was commissioned by Snefru's son, Khufu, known also as Cheops, the later Greek form of his name.
Each of the three massive Egyptian pyramids is but one part of the Giza pyramid complex that includes a palace, temples, solar boat pits, and other features. Here’s what to know about who built...