Uncovering the Majesty of Ancient Egyptian Structures
Ancient Egyptian structures are famous tourist attractions in Egypt. These gigantic structures vary in height, but they leave a lasting impression on one’s mind. Made of various materials such as limestone, marble, and granite, the structures have different religious and social connotations to them.
Structures from Ancient Egyptian can be classified into pyramids and sphinx. Both the structures have a lot of similarities and dissimilarities. Pyramids have a square shaped base on which they are built with upright triangular walls. But the sphinx is shaped like a mythological beast, with one-half of the sculpture of a lion and the other half of a man.
Pyramids – most popular Ancient Egyptian Structures
Pyramids are part of the Seven Wonders of the World. Present-day Egypt has around ninety pyramids. There could be more of such pyramids that could be found with pervasive archaeological excavations. Strangely, all the pyramids are situated on the Nile River’s west bank, probably suggesting that most of the ancient Egyptian settlements were situated there.
Giza Pyramids
These are the most famous of the pyramids. Cheops Pyramid at Giza is a massive and majestic structure towering over four hundred feet in height. The pyramids of Giza cover more surface area than ten football fields. Made of limestone blocks, the pyramids are extremely heavy structures.
The pyramids of Giza were built during the rule of King Khufu. The king employed more than four hundred thousand people to build these ancient Egyptian structures.
The pyramids were a remarkable achievement considering that ancient Egyptians did not have sophisticated tools to assist them in the construction. Another interesting fact is that the pyramids were built without the help of slaves. The majority of construction workers belonged to the farming community.
The farmers volunteered to work for the money that would be paid to them. Every year the Nile River flooded their farmlands and destroyed their homes. To support their sustenance, the farmers joined in the mission to build the pyramids.
Farmers were not paid by way of a currency. They were given food, clothing, and shelter. This was a precious time for farmers since they did not have places to stay during the floods. Typically, like any of the dynastic rules, farmers were well-treated.
After the pyramids were constructed, the Egyptians used the pyramids as tombs. Pharaohs who had died were mummified and put in these structures.
The Sphinx – famous Ancient Egyptian Structures
The Great Sphinx has a face of a man and a lion. Looking like a mythological beast, this is one of those ancient Egyptian structures that historians think was an indication of the mercy and mercilessness of King Khafre, who ruled Egypt then.
All Egyptian structures are great monuments that stand timeless in the sands of history. Ancient Egyptian structures are a lifetime visit for anyone who wants a glimpse into the glorious past.
