egyptian pyramids

The ancient Egyptians built pyramids as tombs for the pharaohs and their queens. The pharaohs were buried in pyramids of many different shapes and sizes from before the beginning of the Old Kingdom to the end of the Middle Kingdom.

There are about eighty pyramids known today from ancient Egypt. The three largest and best-preserved of these were built at Giza at the beginning of the Old Kingdom. The most well-known of these pyramids was built for the pharaoh Khufu. It is known as the Great Pyramid.

Egyptologists have developed many theories about why the tombs of the early pharaohs were built in the pyramid shape. Some believed that the pyramid represented the first land to appear at the beginning of time a hill called Ben-Ben. Some believed that the pyramid had sloping sides so that the dead pharaoh could, symbolically climb to the sky and live forever. and others believed that the pyramid represented the rays of the sun.

The ancient Egyptians believed that it was important to be buried properly. A proper burial would allow them to live again in the after life. Thus, most people who could afford to, spent a lot of time and effort making sure that they would be buried well.

Most ordinary ancient Egyptians were probably buried in the desert. Their relatives would wrap their body in a simple cloth and bury it with some everyday objects and food.

Those with more wealth would be able to afford a better burial. The graves of some craftsmen and workers have been found containing a mummified body as well as bread, fruit, amulets and furniture for the afterlife.

Nobles and very wealthy people were often buried in tombs that we call mastabas. This kind of tomb has an underground burial chamber and an above ground offering chapel. These tombs would contain the person's mummified body, as well as food, jewelry and special objects.

The Great Sphinx is a large human-headed lion that was carved from a mound of natural rock. It is located in Giza where it guards the front of Khafra's pyramid.

Legends have been told for many years about the Great Sphinx. These stories tell about the powers and mysteries of this sphinx. Some people even believe that there are hidden passageways or rooms underneath the Great Sphinx, but nothing has been found yet.

The beginning of one story about the Great Sphinx is written on a stele between the sphinx's paws.

The story reads that one day, a young prince fell asleep next to the Great Sphinx. He had been hunting all day, and was very tired. He dreamt that the Great Sphinx promised that he would become the ruler of Upper and Lower Egypt if he cleared away the sand covering its body (the Great Sphinx was covered up to its neck). The rest of the story has disappeared over time and many have tried recovering it and making possible endings. But mostly it’s just a story to tell kids and they get to imagine the rest.