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The Pyramids of Egyptm - The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
By: CNN
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The Pyramids of
Egypt
Built: From about 2700 to 2500 B.C.
Location: Giza, Egypt, on west bank of Nile River near Cairo
History: The Egyptian Pyramids are the oldest and only
surviving member of the ancient wonders.
Of the 10 pyramids at Giza, the first three are held in the highest
regard. The first, and largest, was erected for the Pharaoh Khufu. Known
as the Great Pyramid, it rises about 450 feet (having lost about 30 feet
off the top over the years) and covers 13 acres.
It's believed to have taken 100,000 laborers about 20 years to build
the mammoth Khufu pyramid, using an estimated 2.3 million blocks. By one
theory, crews dragged or pushed limestone blocks up mud-slicked ramps to
construct the royal tombs.
Many scholars think the pyramid shape was an important religious
statement for the Egyptians, perhaps symbolizing the slanting rays of
the sun. Some speculate the sloping sides were intended to help the soul
of the king climb to the sky and join the gods.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/TRAVEL/DESTINATIONS/9705/seven.wonders/pyramids.html
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