Around 4,500 years ago, a structure rose from the sands of Egypt that would not only defy time, but also baffle modern minds—the Great Pyramid of Giza. Towering at 147 meters, it held the record as the tallest man-made structure for over 4,000 years. Despite lacking cranes, wheels, or iron tools, the ancient Egyptians achieved a feat that remains unmatched in durability and mystery.
Built Without Modern Technology
Constructed from an estimated 6 million tonnes of limestone and granite, the Great Pyramid is heavier than even today’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, which weighs just 500,000 tonnes. And yet, it still stands—weathered by millennia of storms, sun, and sand.
This awe-inspiring monument wasn’t alone. It’s one of a trio, accompanied by the Pyramid of Khafre and Pyramid of Menkaure, forming the iconic Giza Plateau complex, which also includes the Great Sphinx and dozens of smaller tombs and structures.
Who Built It—and Why?
The pyramid is believed to have been commissioned by Pharaoh Khufu around 2560 BCE. Khufu, the second ruler of Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty, is still a shadowy figure—his reign length remains debated, ranging from 23 to over 60 years.
But one thing is clear: the pyramids were built as tombs. The ancient Egyptians believed in an afterlife, where the soul would be judged. Pharaohs were mummified and buried with riches, food, and goods to use beyond death.
Interestingly, no definitive burial evidence was found inside the Great Pyramid itself—only an empty sarcophagus. This has led to alternative theories, such as:
- The Pyramid was a power plant (a popular pseudoscience claim)
- It was a granary built by Joseph (a theory voiced by politician Ben Carson)
However, archaeologists overwhelmingly agree: it was a tomb, even if its treasures were likely looted long ago.
Who Did the Heavy Lifting? Not Slaves
Contrary to Hollywood portrayals, the pyramids weren’t built by slaves. Archaeological evidence shows that skilled laborers lived near the construction site and were well-fed, even healthier than average Egyptians of their time. These workers formed an organized workforce of about 20,000 to 30,000 people, working shifts over a span of 20 years.
The Construction Mysteries
Building the Great Pyramid required:
- 5.5 million tonnes of limestone
- 8,000 tonnes of granite
- 500,000 tonnes of mortar
But how did they move these massive stones?
Tools and Techniques
- Copper tools were used to cut softer limestone.
- Dolerite stones were used to break harder granite.
- A clever method involved inserting wooden wedges into cracks, soaking them in water, and letting the expansion split the stone.
Transporting the Stones
Wheels weren’t in use yet. Stones were likely:
- Transported via rafts on the River Nile.
- Dragged on sledges across wet sand, a method supported by ancient paintings and modern physics experiments, which showed that a small amount of water (about 2-5%) reduced friction significantly.
Lifting the Stones
Two leading theories:
- Ramps: Long, straight ramps with wooden posts and ropes may have been used to pull stones upward. A 4,500-year-old ramp was discovered in a quarry in 2015, supporting this idea.
- Levers: Some believe Egyptians used a counterweight system similar to the Shadoof, an irrigation tool, to lift stones using simple leverage.
Despite these ideas, the math is daunting—to finish within 20 years, one block needed to be placed every 3 minutes, all day, every day. This is why the construction process remains one of history’s greatest engineering mysteries.
Precision and Longevity
The Great Pyramid isn’t just massive—it’s astonishingly precise:
- Aligned almost perfectly to true North, with only a 1/15th of a degree error.
- The base layers used no mortar, relying on perfect stone fitting, while upper layers used mortar that scientists still can’t replicate today.
Originally, the pyramid shone white, covered in fine Tura limestone casing stones that reflected the sun. Most of these have eroded or were removed, though remnants can still be seen at the top of the Pyramid of Khafre.
Conclusion: Still a Marvel, Still a Mystery
The Great Pyramid of Giza is more than an ancient tomb. It’s a symbol of human ambition, innovation, and enduring mystery. Despite centuries of research, we still don’t have all the answers. And maybe that’s part of what keeps it so fascinating.
