Everyone is familiar with the pyramids of ancient Egypt. They still stand tall and proud today as reminders of one of the world’s greatest civilizations. But there is still probably a lot of things about these structures you don’t know. So keep reading for some fun pyramid facts and an awesome video.
- Though most people think of Egypt when they read pyramid facts, there are actually many similar structures built all over the world.
- In fact, the largest pyramid in the world is actually in Mexico.
- However, the reason most people think of Egypt when it comes to pyramid facts is because there are over 130 of them there.
- The oldest pyramid in Egypt is believed to be over 4500 years old.
- The Great Pyramid of Giza is estimated to be made of around 2,300,000 blocks of stone. Many weigh between 2 and 30 tons. Some weigh more than 50!
- Three pyramids, those of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure are perfectly aligned with the stars that make up the constellation of Orion’s belt.
- Furthermore, the Descending Passage of the Great Pyramid points to the pole star known as Alpha Draconis.
- Inside the Egyptian pyramids, the temperature actually stays relatively constant around 20 degrees Celsius.
- Though many of us think the two inseparable, there are actually no hieroglyphics within the Great Pyramid.
- The reason we don’t have more pyramid facts available to us is because we don’t actually know how they were built. The ancient Egyptians left us no clues.
- Although today we see the pyramids as being sand covered, this wasn’t actually the case. Originally, they were covered in polished limestone that could reflect the sun’s light like a mirror. That’s why the ancient Egyptians referred to them as “Ikhet” or “Glorious Light.”
- The Great Pyramid faces true north. In fact, it’s the most accurately aligned to true north of any structure on the planet. Despite being made millennia ago, the pyramid faces that direction with just 3/60th a degree of error. However, this is probably because the North Pole shifts over time. Therefore, at one time, the pyramid was spot on.
- The Great Pyramid also has slightly concave sides. This is the only pyramid with that feature.
- Inside the pyramid is the “King’s Chamber” featuring a granite coffer. The coffer is too big for the passage it would have had to come through, leading many to believe the Great Pyramid was built around it.
- As these last two pyramid facts aren’t strictly focused on the structures, I hope you’ll forgive me. But get this: the coffer was made from one block of granite. It turns out the ancient Egyptians used a fixed point drill with bits made from hard jewels (possible sapphires) and applied a force of 2 tons.
- Three of the pyramids actually had swivel doors at their entrance originally: The Great Pyramid, and those of Huni and Sneferu. All were family members (son, father and grandfather, respectively)
- Allegedly, the swivel door at Giza was so well balanced that, despite weighing 20 tons, it could be easily opened from inside with just a push. However, when it was shut, the door sat so flush you could hardly notice it.
- No one knows for sure, but estimates are that the Great Pyramid weighs 5,955,000 tons!
- Of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramid is the only one still standing.
- On average, each pyramid would have taken 200 years to build. So often times one was underway while the other was still being built. That would be like if you were reading these pyramid facts in real time while I was still typing the next!
- Until the Eiffel Tower came along in 1889, the Great Pyramid was the tallest structure in the entire world, despite being nearly 4500 years old!
- One of the reasons we still have the pyramids today is because of the mortar used. It’s stronger than the actual stone, but no one can figure out what it is.
And there are some amazing pyramid facts. With so much being written about the pyramids, you won’t have a problem finding even more!
