The first pyramid constructed is believed to be the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built by architect Imhotep between 2630 and 2611 BC. He designed the monument as a tomb for the pharaoh Djoser and it was believed it would let the soul ascend to the heavens.
The Great Pyramid of Giza
Around 2560 BC, in the era known as the fourth dynasty, the Pharaoh Khufu ordered the construction of the Great Pyramid over a period of 20 years. Ultimately, it became the largest of the ancient pyramids, located with other examples of the architecture in Giza. Throughout the old kingdom era, pyramid construction continued. But as the pharaonic rule dwindled, so did the building. During the period of the middle kingdom, roughly 2000 BC to 1700 BC, pyramid construction resumed. However, these pyramids were much smaller than previous versions.
Discovering the Pyramids
Despite some occasional visits by travelers over the years, it wasn't until the 1700s that real exploration began. One major event occurred during this period as well, namely the Battle of the Pyramids. During Napoleon Bonaparte's march across Egypt, he fought a pitched battle against a local ruler on the steps of the monuments.
Over the years, the pyramids were pillaged for their vast treasures, leaving few intact examples for archaeologists. Around 900 AD, even the casing blocks around the Great Pyramid were stripped. Thankfully, an archaeological dig by Howard Carter in 1922 revealed an intact Egyptian tomb, that of Tutankhamun.
In November 2008, Reuters announced that the 118th pyramid of Egypt had been located in the ancient city of Saqqara.
Building the Pyramids
Despite depictions in Hollywood and throughout traditional literature, archaeologists have found that the builder of pyramids were not actually slaves. According to National Geographic, the Egyptians who built the structures were highly-skilled laborers living in villages outside of the construction sites. Excavations of the pyramids of Egypt and the surrounding area reveal a sophisticated structured society with health care facilities, advanced food production and houses. The Great Pyramids of Giza themselves required an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 workers over the course of 80 years.
The Pyramids in Religion
According to Miroslave Verner, author of “The Pyramids: The Mystery, Culture and Science of Egypt's Great Monuments,” the pyramids of Egypt represented the society's connection to the Earth. When they were constructed, they were highly polished to provide reflections of the sun's rays off of the limestone. As such, they could be viewed from a distance. It is believed that while the pyramids were elaborate burial mounds for pharaohs, they also had a strong cultural significance. Essentially, they were considered pathways to resurrection for the pharaoh. When the monarch died, he became Osiris, king of the dead. The new pharaoh took his place as god of the heavens and protector of the sun god, Horus. The design of the pyramid is believed to provide this function.
References
"Secrets of Ancient Egypt" National Geographic
Jason Chavis - Jason lives and works out of Minneapolis. He is the author of four books, two movies and a play as well as numerous articles for a variety ...
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