Pyramids

Pyramids are one of the most amazing and riveting structures of both ancient and modern history. It was a really difficult task for the architects to even think of such structures during that era.

Pyramids are the final resting place of the pharaoh. It was believed that after the death if a pharaoh’s body was destroyed then his Ka or soul would have nowhere to go. And if his Ka or soul dies then he wouldn’t be able to unite with the sun. This could make the almighty angry and it was also believed that they would no longer be able to protect the land as they used to. This was how the pyramids actually came into picture. Gradually this pyramids became the symbols of power, the power of the pharaoh to whom it belonged.

There were 138 pyramids which had been found till date. Most of them were built as tombs for the pharaohs and their wives during the old and middle age of the ancient Egyptian civilization.

The first pyramid was found at Saqqara, located towards the north-west of Memphis. This pyramid was built for Pharoah Djoser by his vizier Imhotep, during the 27th century B.C. The Step pyramid represents the giant stairways for the king to climb and join the sun god in the sky.

Constructions of the Pyramids with smooth and sloping sides, as we see today, were started during the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu. Each pyramid represents the agglomerate on which god Amun-Re stood to call other god and goddesses. These pyramids were built with granite walls. Winding passage and false doors were also incorporated in it. The main entrance to the tomb used to disguise the visitors in such a manner that it looked like the outer surface of the pyramid. This was done as a precaution to protect rich inhabitants who were buried along with the Pharaoh.

The largest and most famous pyramid is the Pyramid of Giza. It was built by Khufu, the second pharaoh of the fourth dynasty. Over two million lime stones were used to build this massive complex. Even at that time, well equipped workers with primitive tools chiseled those stones with such precision that even a blade of a knife wouldn’t fit between the stones.

One of the mysteries that surround this pyramid is the tomb chamber which contains an empty coffin. No one knows for sure whether, Pharaoh Khufu, was actually buried there. The Pyramid of Giza is the first of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Most of the pyramids were built in the “Valley of the Kings”. This valley, positioned at the opposite side of Thebes (modern Luxor), stands on the west bank of the Nile, right at the heart of the Theban Necropolis.

These wonderful complexes compel us to think about actually how much knowledge and power Egyptian civilization used to possess during that era. Be it architectural, spiritual or in any other form, they just amaze us till date with their depth of knowledge in every single way.

Pyramids that stand peacefully on the earth with towering peak are quite a visionary treat and are silently telling us the time-honored stories of Egypt.