Khufu pyramid. Giza pyramid complex. Travel inside the Cheops pyramid and kiss the Great Sphinx. What else can you look for in the Cheops pyramid

Ancient Egyptian pyramids are the most mysterious and unusual buildings in the history of mankind. How they were built and why, their external and internal description are questions that have worried scientists for many years. The Pyramid of Cheops is the largest of all the pyramids, an architectural monument.

An unambiguous and proven version of how these huge giants were built does not exist today. But there are a lot of hypotheses and assumptions, each of which has both evidence and contradictions.

Preparation for construction

The pyramids were built from stone blocks. Some believed that all the blocks were the same size. But the theory was disproved. The preparation for the construction involved the extraction of such stone blocks from the rocks. To do this, they drew the shape of the future block on the rock, hollowed out with chisels and picks along the edges of the border, and inserted wood into them.

Later, the tree was flooded with water, as a result of which it swelled, and the rock cracked from stress along a predetermined boundary. The block was then separated.

Also, in preparation, they made a marking of the earth with the designation of the four sides of the pyramid. We tried to outline so that they were oriented to the cardinal points. Then the platform for the base was leveled.

For this, a square-shaped rampart of sand and stones was erected. Then we divided this square into equal parts and filled it with water. The stones that were under the water were removed, and the trenches were laid with a new layer of stones, which served as the foundation of the tomb.

Working with stone

The resulting blocks were carefully processed to obtain the required shape. Further along the river, the blocks were transported to the construction site. Studies have shown that the stones had a mass suitable for movement. After that, construction began, starting from the lower tier. Having laid the blocks, the problem arose of lifting the blocks to the next levels.

There are many theories about how the Egyptians raised stones. Some scientists believe that 4 specially built brick ramps were used for the ascent. Some have suggested that the ramp was 1. Opponents of the theory argue that such devices cannot exist and suggest that there were lifting mechanisms. Although this version was not found evidence.

Drawings on the pyramid

Numerous drawings and diagrams on stone blocks also leave a lot of questions. In addition to the depicted figures of people and Gods, pictures of unknown technical structures and devices of unknown purpose were found. There are examples that resemble a modern helicopter. There are whole huge portraits.

The painting technology also remains a mystery. After all, some parts of the drawings are darker, and some are lighter: unknown ways were used to lighten or darken the surface of the stone. Many unsolved paintings and records still exist today. Most researchers tend to assume that drawings are a secret message for a modern person.

Where is the pyramid of Cheops located on the map?

The Pyramid of Cheops, whose description is mesmerizing, is the only one of the "Seven Wonders of the World" that has survived to this day. It is located in the city of Giza in Egypt.

Today, on the map, Giza is designated as a suburb of Cairo. It is located 30 km from the capital.

History of the pyramid and its age

The Pyramid of Cheops is the oldest and largest of the 3 pyramids located on the Giza plateau. The pyramids, as you know, were built as tombs of the pharaohs in order to ensure a good and comfortable life for rulers in the afterlife.

It took several decades to build the pyramid. Scientists are still debating how much.

Some believe that the construction took about 20 years. But the scale of the pyramid and the reign of Pharaoh Cheops (he himself supervised the construction) suggest that the work took all 40 years. Herodotus and his associates believed that the main builders were slaves, a large number of who died at the construction site.

Modern scholars, on the other hand, believe that the free Egyptians constituted the majority of the working hands. After all, Cheops provided them with housing and food for the duration of their work. And the main reason was the spiritual component: everyone tried to show their involvement in the shrine of the immortal ruler, because only the pharaoh and his entourage had the right to immortality and life after death.

And by participating in the construction of the tomb, people hoped for the favor of the Gods or the Pharaoh himself, wishing to be part of the retinue. The architect is considered the nephew of Cheops - Hemion, who scrupulously worked on the project, calculating everything to the smallest detail. Perhaps this explains the durability of the pyramid.

The pyramid is about 4500 years old. And the date of the start of construction is considered to be August 23, 2560 BC. This day is considered a national holiday in Egypt.

Appearance and dimensions of the pyramid, characteristics

The overall dimensions of the pyramid are striking in their scale: the base area is 53 thousand square meters. m. Height - 138.8 m, although initially the building was higher by another 9 m, but after many hundreds of years earthquakes and sandstorms contributed to the partial destruction of the top of the pyramid. Base - 230 m, rib length - 230 m. Volume - 2.58 million cubic meters. m.

The pyramid of Cheops is adjacent to 2 others: the pyramid of Khafre and the pyramid of Menkaur. Also nearby is another architectural monument - the Great Sphinx, the description of which also contains inexplicable facts.

Data on the 3 pyramids of Giza are shown in the table:

The body of the pyramid is built of limestone and granite blocks. From above it was covered with a sparkling cladding, and the top was adorned with a golden stone. At present, neither the facing nor the decoration of the top has survived.

What is inside the pyramid of Cheops

The pyramid of Cheops, the description of the appearance of which is given above, also has a complex internal structure with rooms and corridors.

It contains:

• An underground burial pit.
• The king's chamber.
• The Queen's Chamber.
• Great gallery.
• Ventilation ducts.
• Discharge chambers.
• The entrance is original.
• Tourist entrance.
• Moves or corridors.

Entrance to the pyramid

All ancient Egyptian tombs have an entrance from the north side. The Cheops pyramid is no exception. The entrance is located at a height of 16-17 m, it has a non-random tilt angle: it was with this tilt that the Egyptians could observe the Pole Star.

This original entrance to the tomb is not used and is sealed with a stone plug.

Tourists today go inside through the entrance, located 10 m below, made by Abdullah al-Mamun, who wanted to enrich himself with the treasures of the pharaoh. For the convenience of tourists, the main passage was equipped with handrails, steps, and lighting.

Burial pit

Ascending and descending corridors begin at the point of intersection of both entrances. The descending one paves the way to the tomb, which is located underground and is a room with dimensions of 14 by 8 m.

The engineers carried out additional excavations from this room and dug a well and another narrow passage, hoping to find the body of Cheops. However, their attempts failed. The burial pit was not completed and was abandoned. It was decided to equip the main burial chamber in the center of the pyramid.

The Ascending Corridor and the Queen's Chambers

The ascending passage is laid to the south and its length is 40 m. It flows into the Great Gallery. At the very beginning, the passage is closed by three large stone blocks. Al-Mamun, bumping into them, dug a bypass line, which is still used today. The purpose of these blocks is unknown.

It has not yet been possible to move them.

The lower part of the Great Gallery gives rise to a corridor 35 m long and 1.75 m high. It leads to the 2nd tomb, which is often called the Queen's Chamber. This room measures 5.74 m by 5.23 m. The height is 6.22 m. In the east of the Chamber there is a large depression.

Grotto, Great Gallery and Pharaoh's Chambers

The next branch of the lower part of the Great Gallery is a vertical passage 60 m long, going to a descending passage, which contains 1 single extension - the Grotto. The nature of its origin is not completely clear, but most likely, this is a natural formation. The ascending passage passes into the Great Gallery - an inclined high corridor. Height - 8.53 m. Length - 46 m.

On the sides of both walls there is a square recess with 27 pairs of holes of unknown purpose. At the end of the gallery there is a ledge - a step in front of the entrance to the Antechamber, through which the entrance to the Chamber of the Pharaoh itself opens. The burial room is faced with black granite. It contains a stone sarcophagus without a lid. There are ventilation holes on the walls.

The ceiling is almost destroyed, the condition of the slabs is worn out. Above the burial room, several empty cavities were found, separated by monolithic slabs. It is assumed that their purpose is to distribute the weight load to avoid excessive pressure of the overlying plates on the pharaoh's chamber.

Ventilation ducts

The chambers of the king and queen contain ventilation openings - narrow channels of small width. These channels are through only in the House of the King. In the Queen's Chamber, the ends of the canals do not reach either the wall of the room on one side, or the edges of the pyramid on the other. In the upper part, they are closed with doors with copper handles.

The studies of the channels were carried out by a special robot, which was able to detect these details.

Such a strange arrangement of ventilation ducts may indicate that the ancient Egyptians were a very religious people and believed that the soul enters the afterlife. These doors at the ends symbolize a kind of entrance to the Kingdom of the Dead.

What can be seen around the pyramid

Pyramid of Cheops, the description of which includes many secrets, and around it contains amazing finds.

Pharaoh's boats

In the immediate vicinity of the pyramid, 7 depressions were found with parts of real Egyptian boats, one of which was the "Solar Boat". Its peculiarity is the lack of fasteners.

On this cedar boat, according to legend, Cheops had to start his journey to the Kingdom of the dead. A museum dedicated to this boat was opened on one side of the pyramid.

Pyramids of Queens of Cheops

In the east, there are 3 small pyramids for the close circle of Pharaoh Cheops. They are located in decreasing size towards the south.

The length of the base of each is 50 cm longer than the base of the previous one. At present, their condition is satisfactory.

Opening hours of the museum complex in Giza

The Giza Museum Complex, covering all the pyramids, is open for tourists every day from 8.00 to 17.00. V winter time works on a shorter working day - until 16.30. In the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims - until 15.00.

Ticket prices

Cost of visits:

• Login to museum complex- 7.5 USD.
• Entrance to the Sun Rook Museum - 3 USD.
• Entrance to the Cheops pyramid - 11 USD.
• Entrance to the pyramid of Khafre - 2 USD.

Going on an excursion to explore the pyramids of Egypt, it is advisable to use the nearby useful tips:

Secrets of the Cheops pyramid

The main secret of the Cheops pyramid is that the mummy of Pharaoh Cheops was not found either inside the pyramid or anywhere else. Many theories have been developed about the place of his burial. The sarcophagus was found to be empty when found. The cover was also missing. And in general, scientists believe that the construction of the sarcophagus was not completed.

And researchers of our time even put forward a hypothesis that this pyramid was not built for Cheops. This confirms the absence of any decorations in the burial room. Usually, the tombs of the pharaohs were real treasures full of jewelry and riches.

The ventilation ducts of the tombs are another unexplained item. Why they were built is still unknown. In the King's Chamber, air from outside enters through them. There is no answer to the question of what the air is for the buried Pharaoh. The construction of such a bulk also leaves a lot of questions. The dimensions of the pyramid can be compared to a 50-storey skyscraper.

And the base area could accommodate a dozen football fields. There is no unequivocal answer how and with the help of what people raised stone blocks to a height. Another mystery is how the stones were joined. The surfaces fit so tightly that there is no way to even slip a thin blade between them.

Transporting blocks to the base of the building also contains puzzles.

In 2017, evidence was found showing that the Nile had been drained and artificial channels created leading to the pyramid to move heavy granite stones. Building materials were transported along them on boats. The Pyramid of Cheops (the description of the interior will not convey the entire atmosphere inside) contains a very small number of rooms inside.

It was often speculated that the largest pyramid still contains secret or simply undiscovered rooms. The guesses were confirmed: studies based on the study of the temperature difference between the surfaces of the blocks showed the presence of additional voids inside.

but Egyptian authorities have imposed a ban on further excavations. Although the opening of such new rooms will become a worldwide sensation, which will lead to an even greater influx of tourists to Giza. This is a tempting alternative for Egypt as a whole, so the issue is not completely closed. The presence of 3 tomb rooms in the pyramid is strange fact, in terms of the history and life of the pharaohs.

In other pyramids, each ruler prepared 1 burial room for himself, putting all his efforts into the construction of this particular main part. Controversies and disputes over 3 such chambers in the Cheops pyramid led to the conclusion: there were 3 pharaohs who were the owner of the pyramid. And Cheops, apparently, was the last one.

There is evidence that Cheops did not build from the foundation, but rebuilt the existing pyramid of the previous rulers. The ventilation ducts of the Chamber of Queens do not communicate with the atomosphere. This is strange and suggests that the pyramid was overlaid with a new layer of blocks, while the ventilation outlets were walled up.

Despite the huge amount of obscure and mysterious, there are also skeptics who believe that there are no secret messages, and no pyramid carries any hidden meaning. Confirmation of this is offered to compare all found pyramids. It is clear that they all differ from each other in many ways.

There is no symmetry and similarity either in orientation relative to the cardinal points, or in the internal structure. If some riddle was encrypted, all of them, or at least a few, would be identical in cross-section.

Interesting facts about the Cheops pyramid

Interesting to know:

The mystery of the Cheops pyramid will be solved for more than one century. The description of the appearance and internal structure of the pyramid is not yet perfect and is fraught with many mysteries.

Article formatting: Lozinsky Oleg

Video about the pyramid of Cheops in Egypt

Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt description:

- one of the most ancient "seven wonders of the world", which has survived to this day. She inherited her name from the creator - Pharaoh Cheops and is the largest in the group Egyptian pyramids.

It is believed to serve as a tomb for his dynasty. The Pyramid of Cheops is located on the Giza plateau.

Dimensions of the Cheops pyramid

The height of the Pyramid of Cheops initially reached 146.6 meters, but time is relentless and gradually destroys this impressive structure. Today it has decreased to 137.2 meters.

The pyramid is made up of a total of 2.3 million cubic meters of stone. The weight of one stone is on average 2.5 tons, but there are even those whose weight reaches 15 tons.

The most interesting thing is that these blocks are so perfectly fitted that even the blade of a thin knife will not pass through them. They were glued together with white cement, as a protection against water penetration inside. It has survived to this day.

One side of the pyramid is 230 meters long. The base area is 53,000 square meters, which can be compared to ten football fields.

This huge building amazes with its grandeur and breathes antiquity. According to scientists, the total weight of the pyramid is 6.25 million tons. Previously, its surface was perfectly smooth. Now, unfortunately, there is no trace of this smoothness.

One entrance leads inside the Cheops pyramid, located at a height of 15.5 meters above the ground. It contains the tombs in which the pharaohs were buried. These so-called burial chambers are made of durable granite and are located at a depth of 28 meters.

The pyramid consists of incoming and downward passages that have not been used in any other similar building. One of the features is a large descent leading to the tomb of the pharaoh.

The pyramid of Cheops is located directly in the place that points to all four cardinal directions. She is the one and only one of them all oldest structures, has such precision.

History of the Cheops Pyramid

How the ancient Egyptians were able to build this Pyramid and when, no one can say the exact data. But in Egypt, the official date when construction began is considered August 23, 2480 BC.

It was then that Pharaoh Snofu died and his son Khufu (Cheops) gave the order to build the pyramid. He wanted to erect such a pyramid so that it would become not only one of the greatest structures, but also glorify his name over the centuries.

It is known that about 100,000 people took part in its construction at the same time. For 10 years, they only built a road along which it was necessary to deliver stones, and the construction itself continued for another 20-25 years.

According to research by scientists, it is known that workers cut down huge blocks in the quarries on the banks of the Nile. On boats, they went to the other side and dragged the block with felt along the way to the construction site itself.

Then came the turn of hard and very dangerous work. The blocks were laid to each other with extraordinary precision using ropes and levers.

Secrets of the Pyramid of Cheops

For almost 3,500 years, nobody disturbed the peace of the Cheops Pyramid. She was covered with legends about the punishment of anyone who entered the chambers of the pharaoh.

However, there was such a brave caliph Abdullah al-Mamun, he built a tunnel inside the pyramid in order to profit. But what was his surprise when he did not find absolutely any treasures. Indeed, this is one of the many secrets of this magnificent structure.

Nobody knows whether Pharaoh Cheops was really buried in it or his tomb was plundered by the ancient Egyptians. Scientists emphasize that the pharaoh's chamber does not have ornaments that were used to decorate tombs at that time. The sarcophagus has no lid and is not completely cut. Obviously, the work was not completed.

After an unsuccessful attempt by Abdullah al-Mamun, having gone into a rage, he ordered to dismantle the pyramids. But naturally he did not achieve this goal. And the robbers lost all interest in her and her nonexistent treasures.

In 1168, the Arabs burned part of Cairo and when the Egyptians began to rebuild their homes, they removed the white slabs from the pyramid.

And from that pyramid, shining like a precious stone, only a stepped body remained. This is how she appears today, before enthusiastic tourists.

The Cheops pyramid has been constantly explored since the time of Napoleon. And some researchers are more inclined to believe the theory about the construction of the pyramid by aliens or Atlanteans.

Because to this day it is not clear how the builders could achieve such excellent stone processing and precise laying, which has not been influenced by external factors for centuries. And the measurements of the pyramid themselves are striking in their results.

The pyramid was surrounded by other interesting buildings, mainly temples. But to date, almost nothing has survived.

Their purpose is not fully understood, but in 1954 archaeologists found the most ancient ship at this place. It was the boat "Solnechnaya", which was made without a single nail, with preserved traces of silt, and most likely floated in the time of Cheops.

The Pyramid of Cheops is located on the Giza plateau. Giza is a settlement northwest of Cairo. You can get there by taxi, calling the Mena House hotel the final stop. Either take a bus from the stops of Tahrir Square in Cairo or sit at the Ramses station.

Pyramid of Cheops on the map

Attraction opening hours and price

You can see the majestic Pyramid of Cheops every day from 8.00 to 17.00. in winter, visits are limited to 16.30. It is advisable to visit the pyramid in the early morning or late afternoon. The rest of the hours are hot enough, and you can't get through the crowds of tourists. Although at this hour there are not so few of them.

Walking to the ticket office, which is not far from the hotel, you should not pay attention to the barkers offering camel rides or calling themselves controllers. Most likely, these are scammers.

The cost of entering the territory will cost $ 8, the entrance to the Pyramid of Cheops itself will cost $ 16. And of course, it is worth visiting the two pyramids of Khafre and Mikerin standing next to each other, each will cost $ 4. And to see the Solar Rook - $ 7.

It is impossible to appreciate all the power and greatness of the Pyramid of Cheops, shrouded in many secrets, from photographs or words.

You just need to see it with your own eyes and touch this ancient, truly impressive structure.

Age of the pyramid

An architect Great pyramid considered Hemiun, the vizier and nephew of Cheops. He also bore the title "Manager of all Pharaoh's construction sites." It is assumed that the construction, which lasted twenty years (during the reign of Cheops), ended around 2540 BC. NS. ...

The existing methods of dating the time of the beginning of the construction of the pyramid are divided into historical, astronomical and radiocarbon dating. In Egypt, the date for the start of construction of the pyramid of Cheops is officially established (2009) and celebrated - August 23, 2560 BC. NS. This date was obtained using the astronomical method of Keith Spence (University of Cambridge). However, this method and the dates obtained with its help were criticized by many Egyptologists. Dates according to other dating methods: 2720 BC NS. (Stephen Huck, University of Nebraska) 2577 BC NS. (Juan Antonio Belmonte, University of Astrophysics in Canaris) and 2708 BC. NS. (Pollux, Bauman University). The radiocarbon method gives a range from 2680 BC. NS. to 2850 BC NS. Therefore, the established "birthday" of the pyramid has no serious evidence, since Egyptologists cannot agree on the exact year in which construction began.

The first mention of the pyramid

The complete lack of mention of the pyramid in the Egyptian papyri remains a mystery. The first descriptions are found in the Greek historian Herodotus (5th century BC) and in ancient Arab legends [ ]. Herodotus reported (at least 2 millennia after the appearance of the Great Pyramid) that it was erected under a despotic pharaoh named Cheops (Greek. Koufou), who ruled for 50 years, that the construction employed 100 thousand people. for twenty years, and that the pyramid is in honor of Cheops, but not his grave. The real grave is a burial near the pyramid. Herodotus cited erroneous information about the size of the pyramid, and also mentioned the middle pyramid of the Giza plateau, that it was erected by the daughter of Cheops, who sold herself, and that each building stone corresponded to the man to whom she was given. According to Herodotus, if "to lift a stone, a long winding path to the grave opened up", without specifying which pyramid in question; however, the pyramids of the Giza plateau did not have “winding” paths to the tomb at the time of their visit by Herodotus; on the contrary, the descending passage of the BP Cheops is distinguished by careful straightness. And there were no other premises in the BP at that time.

Appearance

The surviving fragments of the facing of the pyramid and the remains of the pavement that surrounded the building

The pyramid is called “Akhet-Khufu” - “Horizon of Khufu” (or more precisely “Relating to the sky - (this is) Khufu”). Consists of limestone and granite blocks. It was built on a natural limestone hill. After the pyramid has lost several layers of cladding, this hill is partially visible on the east, north and south sides of the pyramid. Despite the fact that the Cheops pyramid is the tallest and most voluminous of all Egyptian pyramids, Pharaoh Sneferu nevertheless built the pyramids in Meidum and Dakhshut (Broken Pyramid and Pink Pyramid), the total mass of which is estimated at 8.4 million tons.

The pyramid was originally faced with a harder white limestone than the main blocks. The top of the pyramid was crowned with a gilded stone - the pyramidion (ancient Egyptian - "Benben"). The facing shone in the sun with a peach color, like "a shining miracle, to which the sun god Ra himself seemed to have given all his rays." In 1168, the Arabs sacked and burned Cairo. The inhabitants of Cairo removed the cladding from the pyramid in order to build new houses.

Statistical data

Pyramid of Cheops in the 19th century

Map of the necropolis near the pyramid of Cheops

• Height (today): ≈ 136.5 m
• Side slope angle (now): 51 ° 50 "
• Side Rib Length (originally): 230.33 m (estimated) or about 440 royal cubits
• Side rib length (now): about 225 m
• The length of the sides of the base of the pyramid: south - 230.454 m; north - 230.253 m; west - 230.357 m; east - 230.394 m
• Base area (initially): ≈ 53,000 m2 (5.3 ha)
• Side surface area of ​​the pyramid (initially): ≈ 85,500 m2
• Base perimeter: 922 m
• The total volume of the pyramid without deduction of cavities inside the pyramid (initially): ≈ 2.58 million m 3
• Total volume of the pyramid minus all known cavities (initially): 2.50 million m3
• Average volume of stone blocks: 1.147 m 3
• Average weight of stone blocks: 2.5 t
• The heaviest stone block: about 35 tons - located above the entrance to the "King's Chamber".
• The number of blocks of the average volume does not exceed 1.65 million (2.50 million m³ - 0.6 million m³ of the rock base inside the pyramid = 1.9 million m 3 / 1.147 m 3 = 1.65 million blocks of the specified volume can physically fit in the pyramid , excluding the volume of the solution in the interblock seams); attributing to a 20-year construction period * 300 working days a year * 10 working hours a day * 60 minutes an hour leads to a speed of laying (and delivery to the construction site) - about a block of two minutes.
• According to calculations, the total weight of the pyramid is about 4 million tons (1.65 million blocks x 2.5 tons)
• The base of the pyramid rests on a natural rock eminence with a height of about 12-14 m in the center and occupies, according to the latest data, at least 23% of the original volume of the pyramid
• The number of layers (tiers) of stone blocks - 210 (at the time of construction). Now there are 203 layers.

Concavity of sides

The concavity of the sides of the Cheops pyramid

As the sun moves around the pyramid, you can notice the unevenness of the walls - the concavity of the central part of the walls. This may be due to erosion or damage from falling stone cladding. It is also possible that this was done on purpose during construction. As Vito Maragioglio and Celeste Rinaldi note, Mikerin's pyramid no longer has such a concave side. I.E.S. Edwards explains this feature by the fact that the central part of each side, over time, simply pressed inward from the large mass of stone blocks. [ ]

As in the 18th century, when this phenomenon was discovered, today there is still no satisfactory explanation for this feature of architecture.

Observing the concavity of the sides in late XIX v., Description of Egypt

Tilt angle

It is not possible to accurately determine the initial parameters of the pyramid, since its edges and surfaces are currently for the most part dismantled and destroyed. This makes it difficult to calculate the exact tilt angle. In addition, its symmetry itself is not perfect, so there are deviations in the numbers with different measurements.

Geometric study of ventilation tunnels

Research into the geometry of the Great Pyramid does not give an unambiguous answer to the question of the original proportions of this structure. It is assumed that the Egyptians had an idea of ​​the "Golden Ratio" and the number pi, which were reflected in the proportions of the pyramid: for example, the ratio of height to base is 14/22 (height = 280 cubits, and base = 440 cubits, 280/440 = 14 / 22). For the first time in world history, these values ​​were used in the construction of the pyramid in Meidum. However, for the pyramids of the later eras, these proportions were not used anywhere else, as, for example, some have ratios of height to the base, like 6/5 (Pink pyramid), 4/3 (Khafren's pyramid) or 7/5 (Broken pyramid).

Some of the theories consider the pyramid to be an astronomical observatory. It is argued that the corridors of the pyramid accurately point towards the "polar star" of that time - Tuban, the ventilation corridors of the south side - to the star Sirius, and from the north side - to the star Alnitak.

Internal structure

Cross section of the Cheops pyramid:

The entrance to the pyramid is at a height of 15.63 meters on the north side. The entrance is formed by stone slabs laid in the form of an arch, but this is a structure that was inside the pyramid - the true entrance has not survived. The true entrance to the pyramid was most likely closed with a stone plug. A description of such a cork can be found in Strabo, and its appearance can also be imagined based on the preserved slab that covered the upper entrance to the Broken Pyramid of Sneferu, the father of Cheops. Today, tourists enter the pyramid through a 17-meter break, which was made in 820 by the Baghdad caliph Abdullah al-Mamun 10 meters lower. He hoped to find there the untold treasures of the pharaoh, but found there only a layer of dust half a cubit thick.

Inside the Cheops pyramid there are three burial chambers, one above the other.

Burial "pit"

Underground chamber maps

A 105 m long descent corridor at an incline of 26 ° 26'46 leads to a horizontal 8.9 m long corridor leading to the chamber 5 ... Located below ground level in a rocky limestone foundation, it remained unfinished. The dimensions of the chamber are 14 × 8.1 m; it is stretched from east to west. The height reaches 3.5 m, the ceiling has a large crack. At the southern wall of the chamber there is a well about 3 m deep, from which a narrow manhole (0.7 × 0.7 m in section) stretches southward for 16 m, ending in a dead end. Engineers John Shae Perring and Howard Wyse (Richard William Howard Vyse) in the early 19th century cleared the floor in the cell and dug a well, 11.6 meters deep, in which they hoped to find a hidden burial room. They were based on the testimony of Herodotus, who asserted that the body of Cheops was on an island surrounded by a channel in a hidden underground chamber. Their excavations have led nowhere. Later research showed that the chamber was left unfinished, and that the burial chambers were arranged in the center of the pyramid itself.

The Ascending Corridor and the Queen's Chambers

An ascending passage ( 6 ) about 40 m long, ending at the bottom of the Great Gallery ( 9 ).

At its beginning, the ascending passage contains 3 large cubic granite "plugs", which from the outside, from the descending passage, were masked by a block of limestone that fell out during the works of al-Mamun. Thus, during the first 3000 years from the construction of the pyramid, (including during the era of its active visits in Antiquity) it was believed that there were no other rooms in the Great Pyramid, except for the descending passage and the underground chamber. Al-Mamun did not manage to break through these plugs and he simply gouged a bypass in the softer limestone to the right of them. This passage is still used today. There are two main theories about plugs, one of which is based on the fact that the ascending passage has plugs installed at the beginning of construction and thus this passage was sealed by them from the beginning. The second claims that the current narrowing of the walls was caused by an earthquake, and the plugs were previously within the Great Gallery and were used to seal the passage only after the funeral of the pharaoh.

An important mystery of this section of the ascending passage is that in the place where the plugs are now located, in the full-size, albeit shortened, model of the pyramid's passages - the so-called test corridors north of the Great Pyramid - there is a junction of not two, but three corridors at once, the third of which is the vertical tunnel. Since no one has been able to move the traffic jams so far, the question of whether there is a vertical hole above them remains open.

In the middle of the ascending passage, the structure of the walls has a peculiarity: in three places so-called "frame stones" are installed - that is, the passage, square along the entire length, pierces through three monoliths. The purpose of these stones is unknown. In the area of ​​the frame stones, the walls of the passage have several small niches.

A horizontal corridor 35 m long and 1.75 m high leads to the second burial chamber from the lower part of the Great Gallery in a southern direction. The walls of this horizontal corridor are made of very large limestone blocks, on which false "seams" are applied, imitating masonry from smaller blocks ... There are sand-filled cavities behind the western wall of the passage. The second chamber is traditionally called the "Queen's Chamber", although, according to the ceremony, the wives of the pharaohs were buried in separate small pyramids. The “Queen's Chamber”, faced with limestone, measures 5.74 meters from east to west and 5.23 meters from north to south; its maximum height is 6.22 meters. There is a high niche in the east wall of the cell.

Drawing of the Queen's Chamber ( 7 )

Niche in the wall of the Queen's Chamber

Corridor at the entrance to the Queen's Hall (1910)

Entrance to the Queen's Chamber (1910)

Niche in the Queen's Chamber (1910)

The ventilation duct in the queen's chamber (1910)

Ascending tunnel corridor ( 12 )

Granite plug (1910)

Ascending tunnel corridor (on the left - covering blocks)

Grotto, Great Gallery and Pharaoh's Chambers

Another offshoot from the lower part of the Great Gallery is a narrow, almost vertical shaft, about 60 m high, leading to the lower part of the descending passage. There is an assumption that it was intended for the evacuation of workers or priests who were completing the "sealing" of the main passage to the "King's Chamber". Approximately in the middle of it there is a small, most likely natural extension - "Grotto" of irregular shape, in which several people could fit at most. Mainsail ( 12 ) is located at the "junction" of the stone masonry of the pyramid and a small, about 9 meters high, hill on a limestone plateau, lying at the base of the Great Pyramid. The walls of the Grotto are partially fortified with ancient stonework, and since some of its stones are too large, there is an assumption that the Grotto existed on the Giza plateau as an independent structure long before the construction of the pyramids, and the evacuation shaft itself was built taking into account the location of the Grotto. However, taking into account the fact that the mine was precisely hammered into the already laid masonry, and not laid out, as evidenced by its irregular circular cross-section, the question arises of how the builders managed to get to the Grotto.

The Great Gallery continues the ascending passage. Its height is 8.53 m, it is rectangular in cross-section, with slightly tapering upward (the so-called "false vault") walls, a high inclined tunnel 46.6 m long. In the middle of the Great Gallery almost along the entire length there is a square depression, regular in cross-section measuring 1 meter wide and 60 cm deep, and on both side protrusions there are 27 pairs of indentations of unclear purpose. The deepening ends with the so-called. "Big step" - a high horizontal ledge, a platform of 1 × 2 meters at the end of the Great Gallery, directly in front of the manhole into the "hallway" - the Antechamber. The site has a pair of similar to the ramp depressions, depressions in the corners of the wall (28th and last pair of depressions BG). Through the "hallway" the manhole leads to the burial "Tsar's Chamber" faced with black granite, where an empty granite sarcophagus is located. The sarcophagus lid is missing. The ventilation shafts have mouths in the "Tsar's Chamber" on the southern and northern walls at a height of about one meter from the floor. The mouth of the southern vent mine is badly damaged, the northern one appears intact. The floor, ceiling, walls of the chamber do not have any decorations or holes or fasteners of anything related to the time of the construction of the pyramid. The ceiling slabs have all burst along the southern wall and do not fall into the room only due to the pressure of the overlying blocks by the weight.

Above the "Tsar's Chamber" there are five unloading cavities discovered in the 19th century with a total height of 17 m, between which there are monolithic granite slabs about 2 m thick, and above there is a gable limestone ceiling. It is believed that their purpose is to distribute the weight of the overlying layers of the pyramid (about a million tons) in order to protect the "King's Chamber" from pressure. In these voids, graffiti was found, probably left by workers.

Interior of the Grotto (1910)

Drawing of the grotto (1910)

Drawing of the connection of the Grotto with the Great Gallery (1910)

Tunnel Entrance (1910)

View of the Great Gallery from the entrance to the premises

Large gallery

Great Gallery (1910)

Pharaoh's Camera Drawing

Pharaoh's chamber

Pharaoh's Chamber (1910)

The interior of the lobby in front of the Tsar's chamber (1910)

Channel "ventilation" at the southern wall of the king's room (1910)

Ventilation ducts

From the "Tsar's Chamber" and "Tsarina's Chamber" in the northern and southern directions (first horizontally, then obliquely upward) there are so-called "ventilation" channels 20-25 cm wide. At the same time, the channels of the "Tsar's Chamber", known since the 17th century, through, they are open both from below and from above (on the faces of the pyramid), while the lower ends of the channels of the "Queen's Chamber" are separated from the wall surface by about 13 cm, they were discovered by tapping in 1872. The upper ends of the "Queen's Chamber" shafts do not reach the surface of about 12 meters, and are closed by stone "Gantenbrink doors", each with two copper handles. The copper pens were sealed with plaster seals (not preserved, but traces remained). In the southern ventilation mine, the "door" was discovered in 1993 with the help of a remote-controlled robot "Upuaut II"; the bend of the northern shaft did not allow then find the same "door" in it by this robot. In 2002, with the help of a new modification of the robot, a hole was drilled in the southern "door", but behind it was a small cavity 18 centimeters long and another stone "door". What lies next is still unknown. This robot confirmed the presence of a similar "door" at the end of the northern channel, but it was not drilled. In 2010, a new robot was able to insert a serpentine camera into a drilled hole in the southern "door" and discovered that the copper "handles" on the other side of the "door" were decorated in the form of neat hinges, and individual signs in red ocher were applied on the floor of the "ventilation" shaft. Currently, the most widespread version is that the purpose of the "ventilation" ducts was of a religious nature and is associated with the Egyptians' ideas about the soul's journey beyond the grave. And the "door" at the end of the canal is nothing more than a door to the afterlife. That is why it does not come out to the surface of the pyramid. At the same time, the shafts of the upper burial chamber have through exits to the outside and inside the room; it is unclear whether this is due to some change in the ritual; since the outer several meters of the pyramid liner have been destroyed, it is unclear if the "Gantenbrink Doors" were in the upper shafts. (could have been in the place where the mine was not preserved). In the southern upper shaft there is a so-called. "Niches of Cheops" are strange extensions and grooves that may have contained a "door". In the northern upper one there are no "niches" at all.

Of course, everyone knows where the Cheops pyramid is. After all, this is one of the most outstanding monuments not only of Egypt, but of the entire planet. And despite the achievements of modern science, the secrets of the Cheops pyramid are still unsolved. This is one of the reasons why this huge structure attracts numerous tourists, as well as the fact that it is the only wonder of the world that has survived to our times.

This place really has some kind of special magnetism. And even the numerous sellers of souvenirs and camel drivers who want to make money on curious tourists do not spoil general impression... Looking ahead, I will say that the Cheops pyramid inside is not as amazing as outside. And if you decide to save money on the "internal" excursion, you will not lose much. Moreover, I would not recommend going inside for people with claustrophobia, breathing problems or heart problems. The corridors here are quite narrow, and the air is heavy and stuffy, despite the presence of ventilation ducts. By the way, excursion tours are often very eventful and do not provide time for getting to know the pyramidal structures inside. Therefore, be sure to clarify this point in advance, if you still decide to get in touch with the secret from the inside.

Construction history

The most famous pyramidal structure owes its "birth" to Pharaoh Khufu, who ruled Egypt for at least 27 years. According to legend, a huge amount of money was spent on the creation of this great monument, which led to the weakening of the state. Scientists do not yet have a consensus on how this corresponds to reality. But it is clear that a lot of resources were spent. After all, the initial height of the Cheops pyramid is 146.6 meters. But what is remarkable is that it looks somewhat lower than the neighboring building. And not only because it “lost” the top. The son of Cheops, building his pyramid, cheated a little by choosing a place 10 meters higher.

There are many versions of how the Cheops pyramid was built, consisting of 2.3 million stone blocks. Their total weight is approximately 6.5 million tons. The stone blocks are carefully adjusted to each other and fastened with a special compound - pink plaster "milk". The walls slope 52 degrees and represent the number pi. This giant is located on an area of ​​5 hectares. The scheme of the Cheops pyramid clearly demonstrates that inside it is practically a monolith, in which there are only a few corridors, halls and ventilation ducts. To avoid theft, the ancient Egyptians placed special mechanisms inside. But the traps of the Cheops pyramid, religious prohibitions and other tricks did not save the building from robbers.

Also, there is no exact information about how old the Cheops pyramid is. Its age is estimated only at approximately 4.5 thousand years. But some researchers believe that the monument could have been erected much earlier - in the 11th millennium BC, and that representatives of extraterrestrial civilizations were involved in the construction.

There are many legends about this building. But I also picked up Interesting Facts about the pyramid of Cheops, confirmed by scientific research. Among them are those that are still little known. And if you have never been here on an excursion, then you are hardly aware that:

• For almost three thousand years, the Cheops pyramid was the tallest structure in the world. She gave the “palm” only in 1311 - at this time the construction of the Cathedral was completed in Lincoln. The Eiffel Tower, built at the end of the 19th century, is sometimes mistakenly called the new record holder. In fact, before her there were structures higher than the pyramid of Cheops. These are mainly temple structures, as well as the Washington Memorial.
• Many consider the pyramid to be the tomb of the pharaoh. But this is a delusion, since the Egyptian ruler was buried in the Valley of the Kings, and his body was never inside the structure. Still, there is a direct connection with the Pharaoh. The pyramid functionally played the role of a kind of "suitcase". Within its walls are many things that, according to the ancient Egyptians, are necessary for a royal person in the afterlife.
• For a long time it was believed that the pyramids were erected by slaves. But as modern researchers have proved, free residents were employed in the construction. Ancient egypt who, moreover, have high professional qualifications. The dimensions and proportions of the Cheops pyramid are perfectly calculated, and the structure was built with impeccable precision.
• For the first time in writing, the pyramid of Cheops in Egypt is mentioned in the works of Herodotus. The author describes his own impressions of visiting this cult building and shares the information he received from the local priests. These works are dated 440 BC. However, Herodotus could not get any valuable information, except for some geometric data.
• The pyramid of Cheops has its own "birthday" Egyptians celebrate it on August 23, and this day is a national holiday. However, this holiday appeared in Egypt quite recently - only in 2009, and has only a tentative relationship to the exact date of the start of construction. This hypothesis was put forward by scientists from Cambridge.

But, nevertheless, this day there are too many tourists, and if you want to explore the main Egyptian attraction in a relaxed atmosphere, do not plan an excursion for this day. There are also other nuances that are useful to know if you are going to get to know this wonder of the world with your own eyes.

Useful information

The Pyramid of Cheops on the map is located to the left and slightly south of Cairo, in Giza. It is from the Egyptian capital that it is most convenient to get to this pyramid complex, where, in addition to the famous tomb of Khufu, you will also see the pyramids of the pharaoh's son and grandson (Khafren and Mikerin), which are somewhat lower. It is the best-preserved pyramidal complex in the entire country. The road from Cairo takes about 20 minutes. Excursion tour can be purchased both directly in the capital and in any of the resorts. The road from Hugarda is about 5-6 hours by bus, from Sherm al-Sheikh - from 7 to 8 hours.

• When buying excursions from these cities, do not be guided by the cheapest offers - there is a risk of finding yourself in an uncomfortable bus without air conditioning, which, at high Egyptian temperatures, can ruin the whole experience of the excursion.
• Entrance to the territory is paid (80 and 40 EGP for adults and children, respectively). Entrance inside is paid separately - (200 EGP for adults and half the price for children). You will also have to pay extra for photography inside.
• Be sure to check the weather forecast. If in perspective strong wind, it is better to postpone the trip, as everything will be in the sand. And do not forget to take a hat - this is protection from the heat and from annoying sellers.

The number of internal visits is limited (300 people per day), so the chances of getting inside the pyramidal complex on your own, not as part of an excursion group, are not very high. But you can take magnificent photos against the background of the most famous Egyptian monument in any case, and they will remind you of this fascinating journey for a long time.

Pyramid of Cheops (Egypt) - description, history, location. Exact address, phone number, website. Reviews of tourists, photos and videos.

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Probably, there is no person who would not know the main Egyptian landmark - the pyramid of Cheops. And tourists who have visited Egypt and have not visited the only surviving Seven Wonders of the World can be counted on one hand.

Despite numerous studies, the Cheops pyramid keeps many secrets. The pharaoh's sarcophagus has not yet been found.

The height of the great pyramid Egypt today - 140 meters, and the total area is more than 5 hectares. The Pyramid of Cheops is folded - attention - from 2.5 million stone blocks! To deliver these blocks to the construction site, the ancient Egyptians had to cover distances of hundreds of kilometers! It took 20 years to build the Cheops pyramid.

Millennia have passed, but the pyramid is still highly revered in Egypt. Every year in August, the Egyptians celebrate the day of the beginning of its construction.

True, historians have not found reliable information confirming this fact.

Climbing

The entrance to the pyramid of Cheops, like all ancient Egyptian tombs, is located on the north side at a height of about 17 m. Inside the pyramid there are three burial chambers and a whole network of descending and ascending corridors leading to these rooms. For the convenience of tourists, the many-meter walkways are equipped with wooden steps and railings. Lighting in the pyramid is provided, but it is better to take a flashlight with you.

Despite numerous studies and excavations, the Cheops pyramid keeps many secrets. So, for example, until now it has not been possible to find a corridor leading to the chamber with the pharaoh's sarcophagus.

In the burial room of the ruler's wife, scientists have discovered secret doors, which supposedly symbolize the road to the afterlife. But the archaeologists could not open the last door ...

Several disassembled boats were found near the Cheops pyramid. Now the assembled vessels (by the way, it took the researchers almost 14 years for this business) can be admired by everyone.

Practical information

How to get there: by bus or taxi from Tahrir Square in Cairo (about 20 minutes on the way), from Hurghada (5-6 hours), from Sharm El Sheikh (7-8 hours).

Working hours: daily from 8:00 to 17:00, in winter - until 16:30.

Entrance: to the territory - 80 EGP (for adults), 40 EGP (for children); into the pyramid - 200 EGP (for adults), 100 EGP (for children).