The Pyramids of Giza are one of the most recognisable and enduring monuments of ancient Egypt, and one of the oldest and grandest man-made structures in the world! They were built over 4500 years ago, and are still standing tall after all these years.
As we work to understand the mystery and magic behind these fascinating pyramids, we’ve gathered decades worth of facts, myths and theories. So what’s true and what’s not? We take a look at 8 of the biggest myths about the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
1. The Pyramids were built by aliens.
The idea suggests that the Pyramids were constructed with the help of extraterrestrial beings due to their precise construction and alignment. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the notion that aliens played a role in building the pyramids, and the construction of the pyramids can be explained by the advanced engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians.
2. The Pyramids are in the middle of the desert.
Most photos of the pyramids make them appear to be in a remote sandy landscape. However, they’re actually on the edge of the desert and very close to the modern world. Most of the pyramids stand close to the city of Giza, right next to modern buildings, hotels and restaurants.
3. The Pyramids were perfectly aligned with the stars.
While it is true that the Pyramids were aligned with the cardinal directions, but there is no evidence to support this claim.
The slight variations in the orientations of the pyramids, as well as the limitations of construction techniques at the time, suggest that any alignments with celestial objects were likely coincidental rather than deliberate.
4. The Pyramids were built to store treasure.
The pyramids at Giza were built as monumental tombs for the pharaohs of the Old Kingdom period in ancient Egypt. They were intended to serve as final resting places for the rulers, housing their bodies and funerary equipment, as well as providing a place for the pharaoh's spirit to continue its journey into the afterlife.
5. The Great Pyramid has four sides.
Look again, because the Great Pyramid actually has eight sides. It’s the only eight-sided Egyptian pyramid and this fascinating detail can only be seen from the air either at dawn or sunset on the spring and autumn equinoxes. This is when the sun casts shadows on the Great Pyramid that make all eight sides visible!
6. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest pyramid in the world.
Although the Great Pyramid is the largest of all ancient Egyptian pyramids – and the tallest pyramid in the world – it’s not the biggest pyramid on earth. That title goes to the Great Pyramid of Cholula in Mexico, as it’s the largest pyramid in terms of volume, that is three times the area of the base of the Great Pyramid of Giza!
7. The Great Pyramid was the first pyramid in Egypt.
The first royal pyramid complex in Egypt was the Step Pyramid Complex of Djoser at Saqqara, built around 4,700 years ago. Centuries later, Pharaoh Sneferu kickstarted the pyramid building craze with the Bent Pyramid, which signalled the transition from step-sided pyramids to smooth-sided pyramids.
Do you know any interesting facts about the Pyramids of Giza? Let us know in the comments below!
For more travel stories and information follow me on Instagram @travelstoriesbytan.
Ready to travel for free? Earn credits and redeem them on Tripoto's weekend getaways, hotel stays and vacation packages after the pandemic is over!