Detailed interactive map Pyramids of Giza
The Valley of Giza with its wonderful monuments is truly a wonder of architectural capability. These massive stone structures were built around 4500 years ago on a rocky desert plateau close to the Nile. The three largest pyramids located in the valley include of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Kafhre and the Pyramid of Menkaura. Each Pyramid is a tomb devoted to a different king of Egypt. The specific purpose of these pyramids was to provide a place and means by which the dead Pharaoh would rise to the sky and join with the sun. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest of the pyramids and was regarded by the ancient Greeks as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It measures 755 feet square at its base and its present height is 449 feet. Over the years it has lost 33 feet of its original height. Its volume is about 88 million cubic feet. The Great Sphinx lies on the east side of the complex, facing east. The age of the Great Sphinx is debated, but it was probably part of Khafre's Pyramid complex. This great colossus of Khafre (240 feet long and 65 feet high) is both the guardian and symbol of Royalty. Unfortunately, the pyramids became obvious targets for tomb robbers. The ancient sites in the Memphis area, including those at Giza, together with those at Saqqara, Dahshur, Abu Ruwaysh and Abusir were declared a World Heritage Site in 1979.
