How Long did it Take to Build the Pyramids?

Over 4,500 years old, the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt is one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one that remains relatively intact. However, this is not the only pyramid in Egypt. There are more than 100 of these intriguing monuments dotted across the country. These structures have a fascinating history and a mist of myths and mystery shroud them. If you are curious about the greatest relics of Ancient Egypt and one of the most iconic man-made wonders on earth, read on. We’ll tell you how long it took to build the pyramids, as well as loads of other interesting facts about their construction.

How Long did it Take to Build the Pyramids?

It took 20 years to build the Great Pyramid at Giza. On average it took around 10-60 years to build a pyramid in Egypt.

How old are the pyramids?

The pyramids at Giza are over 4,500 years old. However, some other pyramids in Egypt are over 4,700 years old.

What is the oldest pyramid in Egypt?

The Pyramids of Giza are not the oldest pyramid tombs in Egypt. The Pyramid of Djoser is the first Egyptian pyramid. It was constructed circa 2630 BC at Saqqara, for the third dynasty pharaoh Djoser. Experts deem the 4,700-year-old step pyramid the oldest stone structure of its size in the world. It is located in the Saqqara necropolis in the ancient city of Memphis, which is roughly 30km south of Cairo. It predates the Pyramids at Giza by about 80 years.

When were the pyramids built?

The first Giza pyramid project began circa 2550 BC. However, The Egyptian Pyramid Age spans over a thousand years, starting in the third dynasty (c. 2686 BC – c. 2613 BC) and ending in the Second Intermediate Period (c. 1782 – c.1570 BC).

Who built the Great Pyramid at Giza?

Khufu, an ancient Egyptian monarch, began the pyramid project. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the Pyramid of Khufu. It is the largest and oldest Pyramid in Giza. Experts believe that Hemiunu is the architect of the Great Pyramid of Giza. He was related to Khufu and was the highest official to serve the pharaoh. When Hemiunu died, they buried him right next to Khufu’s pyramid.

How heavy are the pyramids?

The Great Pyramid of Giza weighs 6 million tonnes. It contains 2,300,000 blocks of limestone and granite with some of these stones weighing upwards of 50 tonnes.

How tall are the pyramids?

The Great Pyramid of Giza once stood 146.5 metres (481 feet) tall. For roughly 3,800 years it was the tallest man-made structure in the world. Today, it is 137 metres (449.5 ft) high. It has lost 9.5 metres (31 ft) from the top due to the rough, harsh climate of the Sahara.

How many pyramids are there in Egypt?

Archaeologists have identified at least 118 pyramids in Egypt. At the site at Giza, there are three pyramids. Pharaoh Khafre (Khufu’s son) built the second biggest pyramid at Giza and Pharaoh Menkaure built the smallest pyramid.

What were the pyramids used for?

The pyramids were used as the final resting places for pharaohs (the kings of Ancient Egypt), who believed that they would become gods after death. To prepare for the afterlife, the pharaohs built temples to the gods and pyramids for themselves.

What is inside the pyramids?

Inside the pyramids are tombs that the Egyptians filled with everything the pharaohs needed to survive in the afterlife. The tombs contained the mummified body of the pharaoh which was placed in a coffin and sarcophagus. The walls of the tombs were adorned with beautiful decorations that told stories. Inside the tombs in the pyramids were food, water and wine to help the pharaoh on their long journey to the next world. To help the pharaoh look their best, gorgeous jewellery and clothes were placed in their coffin so they could arrive at the afterlife in style.