Egyptian Pyramids: A Testament to Ancient Ingenuity:

Established during a period when Egypt ranked among the wealthiest and most influential nations of antiquity, pyramids which are greatest of all the seven wonders of the old world, and of which the three principal ones are situated in the neighborhood of Memphis are the greatest historical man made constructions. This is especially given the fact that their formation was large in scale due to the centrality of the pharaohs as leaders of the ancient Egyptians.

Pharaohs and The Construction of Pyramids:

Pharaoh’s Majesty and Divine Connection:

The pharaohs had a central role in society and were believed to be installed by the gods with their mission being to act as intercessors on earth.

Although the pharaoh’s body died, his or her soul was then thought to rise again as Osiris, the god of the dead while the newly ascended pharaoh was considered a Horus, the falcon-headed god that was affirmed to have protected Ra, the Sun-God.

The external appearance of the pyramids depicted the king’s voyage through the underworld because of the planes and slopes of the pyramids were smooth and mirrored orderly directions such as the sun.

Mummification and Burial Rituals:

Death in view of the ancient Egyptians was not the final end of life, but rather a transition to a new state where the physical existence of the king was proceeded by the ka, a part of the spirit which stayed with the body even in the afterlife.

If he is going to have another life he needed a nice well-preserved body so his spirit was embalmed and everything he might need was entombed with him — golden vases, food, furniture.

They grew into the ritual focal point of a cult dedicated to the care of the dead king and the individuals buried within the vicinity of the structure.

Evolution of Pyramid Construction:

The Step Pyramid of Djoser:

Originally called the step pyramid, or ‘BDT’, it was constructed between 2630 B. C. and 2611 B. C. at Sakkara.

It was originally planned and constructed by Imhotep — the priest and healer — and it is initially intended to be a mastaba — flat-roofed tomb — but transforms into a true step pyramid.

During his reign, six stepped layers of stone were constructed meaning that Djoser’s pyramid extended to a staggering 204 feet, or 62 meters tall.

The Great Pyramids of Giza:

Built in the late third dynasty and up to the early sixth dynasty which is considered as the period of pyramid construction at its prime.

The three Pyramids of Giza have been considered some of the Seven Wonders of the World with the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) being the largest and most famous one.

Gigantic stones of limestone and granite for construction were cutoff, moved and installed with precision.

Speculations on this aspect include the use of ramps, levers, and water as methods of constructuring the Pyramids.

Legacy and Mysteries:

Cultural Significance:

Even today we find the mysteries of the structures that the ancient Egyptians had built as an evidence to its glory and genius in constructions such as the pyramids.

They remain fascinating and the visitors go on wondering, with billions of people visiting them annually.

Unsolved Questions:

Despite advances, some mysteries persist:

The ways and means by which gigantic stones were swung into position and then positioned remain a mystery to this day.

The following are some questions that I found: What mathematical and engineering knowledge was used by Romanesque makers of these constructions?

The simple activities such as sand, water, and sleds were perhaps as instrumental in the process as were faith and devotion.

Conclusion:

It has been, in some way, forever encapsulating one of the most important aspects of the human spirit: aspiration, innovation, and worship. They are long gone but they remain a testament of time and space, challenging one to peel the façade discover more.