The Magic of Egyptian Pyramids

How did the pyramids get built? The answer lies somewhere in your imagination.

A simple question and a not so simple answer.

From 3100 - 30 BCE, Ancient Egypt powered through civilizations for centuries. A storied history of power, wealth, and resources. As remarkable as their history was, what stands before us today is a testament to their ingenuity and prowess.

Step Pyramid

Time Period: 2584 – 2565 BCE
Ruler: Zoser
Location: Saqqara
Height: 60m
Notes: This is the oldest pyramid in the world. Zoser was the second second king of the 3rd dynasty. He was believed to be buried inside this pyramid.

Bent Pyramid

Time Period: 2505 – 2485 BCE 
Ruler: Sneferu
Location: Dashur
Notes: Construction came to a halt when the architects realized the current angle needed to be corrected. They re-positioned the construction, which you can fabulously still see today, to correct the angle.

Red Pyramid

Time Period: 2505 – 2485 BCE 
Ruler: Sneferu
Location: Dashur
Notes: This is the first “true” pyramid ever built with its smooth sides. Some say Sneferu wanted to build a perfect pyramid after the mistakes of the Bent Pyramid, which stands close by.

The Great Pyramid of Khufu

Time Period: 2470 – 2447 BCE 
Ruler: Khufu
Location: Giza
Notes: The last remaining “world’s ancient wonder” the Great Pyramid is the largest pyramid ever constructed.

Pyramid of Khafre

Time Period: 2437 – 2414 BCE 
Ruler: Khafre
Location: Giza
Notes: Khafre was the younger son of Khufu. Although his pyramid appears taller than his father’s, it is only because it stands on higher ground.

The Khafre Pyramid is pictured here in the foreground with Khufu behind.

Sphinx

Khafre is also attributed with the construction of the Sphinx. His face is portrayed on a lion’s body and has his pyramid within the background. You can also still see some of the limestone surface near the top of the pyramid.

Pyramid of Menkaure

Time Period: 2414 – 2396 BCE 
Ruler: Menkaure
Location: Giza
Notes: Menkaure was the son of Khafre and built the smallest of the three pyramids.

The Pyramid of Menkaure sits on the right of this picture with his father’s and grandfather’s pictured also.