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When we look at the pyramids, we cannot help but think about how the ancient Egyptians were among the earliest civilizations to believe in the afterlife. They believed that when the physical body of the person died, their Ka lived an eternal life. Therefore, the grand and majestic pyramids were built as tombs for powerful pharaohs and adorned with numerous materialistic luxuries to help them enjoy their afterlife. Can’t believe what you just read? Here are other fascinating facts about Egyptian pyramids.
Facts About Egyptian Pyramids
1. Pyramid texts are the oldest known religious texts in the world. They described the life of pharaohs and their roles and duties in society.
2. The Step Pyramid of Djoser is the oldest Egyptian pyramid, built with stone clay.
3. The Red Pyramid of Sneferu at Dahshur is Ancient Egypt’s first true pyramid. In other words, it is smooth-sided.
4. Popular estimates also suggest that over 2.3 million limestone blocks were used to construct the Great Pyramid of Khufu.
5. The pyramids were once the tallest structures built by humans.
6. It is estimated that there are more than 100 pyramids in Egypt.
7. The stones used to build the pyramids weighed more than an elephant.
8. The three Giza Pyramids are aligned diagonally and arranged in a manner that their corners point to the Temple of Ra at Heliopolis.
9. Pyramids had a secret chamber called Serdab built close to the pharaoh’s mummy. It was believed that this is where his Ka statue or the statue holding the king’s life essence after death was placed.
10. In the 12th century, Al-Aziz Uthman, the second Ayyubid Sultan of Egypt tried to destroy Menkaure’s pyramid.
11. It is also believed that the workers who built pyramids were not poor slaves but were well-fed and skilled construction teams.
12. Contrary to popular belief, pyramids are not completely solid and feature a web of chambers, shafts, and passageways.
13. It is also believed that Ancient Egyptians might have used the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper constellations for the alignment of pyramids.
14. There are secret doors that act as passageways into the pyramids.
15. The Great Pyramid of Giza was once covered with limestone blocks. They reflected sun rays and made the pyramid shine like diamonds, making it visible from miles away.
16. Residues of red pigments on the face suggest that the statue of the Sphinx built near the Great Pyramid was once colourful.
17. Ancient Egyptians buried dead people with riches such as gold, jewellery, food, drinks, and other essentials.
Hope you had fun reading facts about Egyptian pyramids. If you want to read more such interesting facts, then you can also visit our blog 15 Interesting Sanchi Stupa Facts You Must Know!