Shirley Duke - Pyramids of Egypt

Pyramids of Egypt

Shirley Duke

G reat pyramids line the dry desert on the west side of the Nile River in Egypt. , the rulers of ancient Egypt, built these massive stone structures.

Pyramids were first built about 4,500 years ago. They served as for Egypts pharaohs. The pharaohs believed the pyramids would help them have eternal life.

A 30 foot (10 meter) wall surrounded the Step Pyramid and buildings around it in Saqqara. The buildings included temples, chapels, and courtyards.

Through the years, pyramids were built in different ways. They were made of huge slabs of stone and brick. Granite and limestone were cut from a and moved down the Nile River.

The bricks were made from river mud, straw, and sand. The workers pressed the mixture into wooden molds. They sat in the heat until they hardened. The pyramid was then covered with other types of stone.

Pyramid stones fitted together closely. Erosion through the years wore down the stones so the blocks now appear to have separations.

The Nile River is the longest river in the world. It supplied the ancient Egyptians with transportation, food, building materials, and water.

About 80 pyramids still exist in Egypt. The three best-known pyramids are at Giza, near modern-day Cairo. The largest of the three was built for the pharaoh Khufu.

The pyramids at Giza were built so the pharaohs could watch from their palaces as they rose. The construction took many years and each pharaoh hoped to live long enough to see his pyramid finished. The cost of these giant tombs was enormous.

The pharaohs gave grand names to the pyramids. Khufu named his Great Pyramid Khufu is one belonging to the horizon.

Brain Builder!

Khufus Great Pyramid rose to a height of about 45 stories (481 feet; 147 meters). The base measured 755 feet (230 meters) along each side. It was the tallest structure in the world for more than 4,000 years until the Eiffel Tower was built in Paris, France. The Great Pyramid was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and the only ancient wonder still standing today.

The mastaba, or tomb, of Seshemnefer IV includes a group of rooms, worship area, and burial chamber. It sits in front of the Great Pyramid at Giza and is the most visited mastaba. Seshemnefer oversaw the two seats of the House of Life and was keeper of the king's secrets.

A pyramid contains a burial chamber for the pharaoh. Some also include a chamber for the queen. A series of tunnels connects other rooms and galleries. Narrow shafts allow air inside.

The interior of the Great Pyramid of Giza has three chambers. It is the only Egyptian pyramid known to have both ascending and descending passages.

Brain Builder!

Pharaohs were buried with everything they might need, including food, drinks, pottery, jewelry, furniture, and other treasures. A boat was often buried next to the pyramid for the pharaoh to use in the afterlife.

The Egyptians also preserved the pharaoh's intestines, stomach, lungs, and liver for the afterlife. They did not save the brain, because they believed it was worthless.

Canopic jars were used to store and preserve the internal organs. Each jar featured the head of an Egyptian god.

Tales of treasures buried with the pharaohs tempted tomb robbers. To keep thieves out of the tombs, huge stones weighing up to three tons were set in the passages and at the entrances.