The Pyramid of Giza
World Cultures I
3/1/15
The Pyramids of Giza
There are many theories regarding how the pyramids at Giza were constructed. So many stories are told but there has been no known truth to who actually built the pyramids at Giza. Giza is one of the oldest and largest of three pyramids bordering El Giza, Egypt and is also the oldest of the Seven
Wonders of the Ancient World and is known to be the only one still largely and fully intact.
So what theories are true?
The Pyramid of Giza is the most famous Egyptian monument. It is part of a family of pyramids both with symbolic purpose. There are three pyramids associated with Giza. The pyramids are called
Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure for the kings of whom they were built. All three pyramids were plundered both internally and externally in ancient and medieval times. They were all created with unique design and symbolism and purpose to some. Many theories state that the pyramids were built from rock, stone, mud , limestone, cement and other materials. For the most part, it was all done and created uniquely. According to early historians and intense research instructed by archaeologist, the Great
Pyramid took over 20 years to construct and required the labor of over 100,000 men. It is told to be questioned that one pyramid of such great statue took one lifetime to build. Archaeologist have tried to figure out for years where the possible 100,000 men lived while in the process of building such a great and distinguish figure. It is said that since then such findings have occurred. It is said that 600 skeletons have been identified as Egyptians. They also believed that these individuals worked year around, since their beliefs stated that they would have a special place in the afterlife by doing a good deed and hard labor for their Pharaoh and Egypt overall. Many also believed that the pyramids were created for tombs, for the transition of life after death. All research shows that individuals help build the pyramids for sacred reasons.
There are not many theories that stick out to me that may be the truth. There are many beliefs that I have. For a figure of such great height and width, I believe that it took more than just a village or
100,000 men so to speak. I do believe that such materials such as stone blocks, everything else to me may have helped keep the stone in place, but would not hold. It is also my theory that it took over one l ifetime to build such a monument. Truthfully and realistically, there will never be a whole truth since there are no individuals alive who can provide insight and truth on what really took place back then.
Based on a variety of research, it is unclear on exactly how many individuals it took to build the pyramids and also on all the materials used in its structure. It is said they used materials that did not even exist during their time, such as the wheel barrow. I do believe that yes it was constructed by a variety and multitude of men. I do not believe that it was created in one lifetime, due to the overall structure. It is my opinion that this will take more research and proof to establish truth. It is often hard to prove history, since it is the past. With research and new technology, we should be able to establish the truth about the pyramids and its history.
References http://www.culturefocus.com/egypt_pyramids.htm http://www.bible-history.com/resource/ff_giza.htm 