Why were the pyramids of Egypt built?
It was believed by the ancient Egyptians that their regulated and ordered life on the earth could continue even after their death. They also believed that their King had descended from Gods and after death; he went to join Gods in heavenly world.
As a result many other customs to this effect came into practice. In his lifetime only the King would make a magnificent tomb in which he could be buried after death. These tombs were known as pyramids. They were triangular in shape. Their constructions required an enormous quantity of stones. Although similar monuments were found in South America, the only true pyramids are found in Egypt.
Presently, about 80 pyramids still stand in Egypt; the most famous of which are the three at Giza near Cairo. The largest of the three is the pyramid of Pharaoh Cheops. These pyramids were built between 2690 to 2500 B.C. as estimated by archaeologists. It took a long time for the ancient Egyptians to develop the art of building pyramids. Stones were transported across the Nile from quarries on the east side. The base of pyramids was nearly a perfect square. An immense amount of slave labour was employed to construct the vast structures. Stone cutters and masons used saws upto ten feet long. The place of burial chamber was so designed that thieves were unable to trace out the vast treasure that was buried with the dead king’s mummified body.
The three famous pyramids of Egypt are the pyramids of Mycerinus, Cheops and Chephren. They are 215 ft. 481 ft. and 471 ft. high respectively. Sides of the base of the highest pyramid, Cheops are 756 ft and the base covers an area of 13 acres. The numbers of stone blocks used in its construction are 2,300,000. A permanent work force of 4000 was required for 30 years to complete this wonderful pyramid.