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The concept, design, and construction of the Great Pyramid of
Giza
Written by Brian Shaka
Introduction
The Great Pyramid of Giza, also referred to as Khufus or Cheops Pyramid, is an
engineering structural masterpiece that has fascinated historians, archaeologists, and tourists
alike, for countless generations. Located on the Giza plateau in Egypt, this ancient marvel stands
as a testament to the engineering skills of a lost civilization. Its design, construction techniques,
and particularly its intriguing interior structure have sparked debates and passionate exploration
among scholars searching for answers. The Great Pyramid was completed around 2540 BC,
making it more than 4,500 years old; however, the enigmas of its design still puzzle those who
strive to unravel them [1]. Its majestic presence and colossal size have inspired fascination and
theories of its construction alike. Predominantly crafted from stone blocks, the Great Pyramid is
primarily composed of limestone with some granite elements incorporated. Some of these blocks
made of stone are incredibly massive, weighing tens of tons. This immense weight played a role
in protecting the pyramid from looting during ancient times, while other tombs, especially those
found in the Valley of the Kings, were more defenseless to robbers [2]. The purpose of this report
is to analyze the design and construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Design
The design of the Great Pyramid of Giza represents the engineering skills of the ancient
Egyptians. This massive structure is believed to have been built by Pharaoh Khufu and still
amazes researchers and historians. With its sides inclined at an angle of 51°52', the Great
Pyramid is not only huge but also perfectly aligned with the points of the compass, displaying
the ancient Egyptians' exceptional knowledge and understanding of astronomy and mathematics.
Its core is made up of limestone blocks while its outer casing and inner passages exhibit the
craftsmanship and precision of the builders [2]. Inside the burial chamber are granite blocks that
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showcase the Egyptians' understanding of working with materials. The sheer magnitude of this
construction project is mind-boggling as its creation required around 2.3 million stone blocks
weighing 5.75 million tons. What sets it apart further is the level of precision in its masonry
work, especially evident in the finer joints found within its walls, surpassing any other ancient
Egyptian construction project in terms of quality.
Figure 1: Great Pyramid of Giza: cross-section of interior
Construction
The construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza remains a great mystery in human history.
Despite that the exact methods used by the Egyptians remain unknown, there is one possible
theory proposing that a sloping embankment made up of brick, earth, and sand was created,
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which expanded in length and height over time. To transport the stone blocks upward, sleds,
rollers, and levers were probably used on this surface [2]. Historical accounts state that it took 20
years to build the Great Pyramid with a labor force consisting mainly of around 100,000 workers
during the Nile flood season as reported by Herodotus. However, recent data suggest that there
might have been a permanent workforce comprised of roughly 20,000 individuals [2].
Discussion and Conclusion
The Great Pyramid of Giza continues to be a captivating marvel to scholars, historians,
and enthusiasts alike. Its remarkable architecture, precise engineering, and immense size serve as
a testament, to the abilities of the Egyptians. The Great Pyramid's precise alignment with the
points of the compass and use of stone construction showcases the deep knowledge and
craftsmanship possessed by its builders. Several questions are constantly raised, such as the exact
methods employed for its design and construction or the workforce and manpower it took to
undertake such a project. Despite these lingering enigmas surrounding its origin, the Great
Pyramid of Giza endures as a representation of ingenuity, architectural brilliance, and an endless
source of fascination for generations to come.
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References
1. Dallas College Libraries Login Page. go. (n.d.).
https://go-gale-com.dcccd.idm.oclc.org/ps/retrieve.do?tabID=T002&resultListType=RES
ULT_LIST&searchResultsType=SingleTab&retrievalId=32065110-4483-4f38-9331-6dd5
37acd5f1&hitCount=65&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&currentPosition=19&docId
=GALE%7CA762475656&docType=Article&sort=Relevance&contentSegment=ZONEMOD1&prodId=AONE&pageNum=1&contentSet=GALE%7CA762475656&searchId=
R2&userGroupName=txshracd2500&inPS=true
2. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Seven wonders of the world. Encyclopædia
Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Seven-Wonders-of-the-World