The Ancient Egyptians built the pyramids as tombs to preserve the bodies of their dead kings especially that they believed in resurrection and immortality, The Pyramids of Giza lie at the western edge of Greater Cairo, about 10 kms from downtown, and comprise The three Pyramids, consist of The Great Pyramid of Khufu, The Pyramid of Khafra and The Pyramid of Menkaura.

1-The Great Pyramid of Cheops

   
Contrary to the common belief, only the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), not all three Great Pyramids, is on top of the list of Wonders. The monument was built by the Egyptian pharaoh Khufu of the Fourth Dynasty around the year 2560 BC to serve as a tomb when he dies. The tradition of pyramid building started in Ancient Egypt as a sophistication of the idea of a mastaba or "platform" covering the royal tomb. Later, several stacked mastabas were used. Early pyramids, such as the Step Pyramid of King Zoser (Djoser) at Saqqara by the famous Egyptian architect, Imhotep, illustrate this connection.
 

  The great pyramid is believed to have been built over a 20 year period. The site was first prepared, and blocks of stone were transported and placed. An outer casing (which disappeared over the years) was then used to smooth the surface. Although it is not known how the blocks were put in place, several theories have been proposed. One theory involves the construction of a straight or spiral ramp that was raised as the construction proceeded. This ramp, coated with mud and water, eased the displacement of the blocks which were pushed (or pulled) into place. A second theory suggests that the blocks were placed using long levers with a short angled foot.

2-The Second Pyramid of Chephren & The Temple of the Valley.

    Built by Khafre (Chephren), south-west of his father's (Khufu's) pyramid though lower in height: 136 m. It still retains, on some of its upper parts, the remains of the limestone that had once covered it all. At the base, it measures 215.5 m square. Its interior is simple, with two entrances on the north side. The visitor can also still see the remains of Khafre's mortuary temple, the Temple of the Valley, and rising causeway. These temples witnessed the religious rites during the embalming of the body.

3-The Third Pyramid of Mycerinus

    Built by Menkaure (Mycerinus), south-west of the Great and Second Pyramids. lt is much smaller than either one (62 m high). lt is distinguished by the fact that the lower part of its sides still retain their granite slab coverings.

4-The Solar Boats of Khufu

    The Ancient Egyptians carved spacious areas in the rock, near the Pyramids. There they placed wooden boats, to be at the disposal of the King when he went on his journey of Day and Night with the sun god, Ra, in the afterworld. Recent excavations unearthed three such sun-boat sites, on the east side of the Great Pyramid. Two other sites were discovered on the south side. When the huge stone slabs were removed, they revealed parts of a large boat, made of cedar wood, in very good condition. There were also other implements, such as oars, ropes and a kiosk for sitting. The boat is 43.5 m long, and the prow and stern are 5 m and 7 m high respectively. The boats are now housed in a special museum, south of the Pyramid of Cheops. The museum is open from 9-4 daily.
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