The Great Pyramid of Cheops located at Giza Plateau just outside of Cairo is the
largest pyramid of Egypt. It is not only the largest pyramid of Egypt but is also
the oldest member of the Seven Wonders of the World. Built for the 4th dynasty
Pharaoh ruler Khufu, this great pyramid is also known by the name of Pyramid of
Khufu or Khufu's Pyramid. The Minister of Khufu named Hemon was the architect
of the Great Pyramid.
Great Pyramid of Cheops is the oldest and largest pyramid among the three pyramids
of the Giza Necropolis. Pyramid of Khufu is basically a complex that includes
two mortuary temples in honor of Khufu, three smaller pyramids for wives of
the king, a smaller pyramid and small mastaba tombs surrounding the pyramid.
To the southwest of Great Pyramid lies the Pyramid of Khafre. Pyramid of Khafre
is slightly smaller than the Great Pyramid. Khafre is one of Khufu's successor
and builder of Great Sphinx. Another Pyramid related to Khufu is of Pyramid
of Menkaure, a successor of Khafre. At the present time the pyramid of Menkaure
is the tallest among these three pyramids as The Great Pyramid of Cheops lost
its height of about 8 meter due to loss of material from the tip.
Originally standing at 481 ft high and covering an area of 13 acres of land,
Pyramid of Khufu, Egypt is 754 ft at base. The entrance of the Pyramid was about
15 meter higher than the entrances used today. The Great Pyramid of Khufu contains
a Grand Gallery, which is 157 ft long and 28 ft high. The width of the gallery
at the bottom is 62 inches while at top it is 41 inches wide.
This Grand Gallery of Pyramid leads into the Chamber of King. The measurement
of King's Chamber is 34'4" x 17'2"x 19'1" high. Above the Chamber
of King is located five relieving chambers that provide support to the stones
and distribute weight of the burial chamber evenly. The top most of these relieving
chambers is the most important. To the west of the Great Pyramid of Egypt lies
the Royal Cemetery.
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