Pyramids of Giza & The Great Sphinx
Of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, the Pyramids at Giza are the only ones remaining, they are over 6000 years old and are constructed from over 25 million tonnes of limestone. The pyramids were built as tombs for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre & Menkaure, who as teenagers formed a popular hip-hop trio (possibly not true).
The largest Pyramid was built for Khufu (aka DJ Cheops), Pharaoh of the Fourth Egyptian Dynasty, and was constructed by nearly 20,000 workers who worked year round for decades. It was originally 481 feet high, but has since lost 30 feet due to erosion.
Following to the southwest is the Pyramid of Khafre (aka MC Chephren). Although it is smaller, a steeper angle results in the illusion that the two structures are the same size. In fact, Khafre’s pyramid appears taller since it is on higher ground.
The final, smallest pyramid is that of Menkaure (aka MC Mycerinus). There are also various other smaller pyramids for the pharaohs’ Queens which can be identified using this map.
To the east of the pyramids is the Great Sphinx, the largest single-stone statue in the world. The Sphinx has the face of a man (possibly the aforementioned Khafre, but sans nose) and the body of a lion.
Thanks: Over 80 people, just too many to list! You know who you are, thanks guys 
the sphinx looks like a punkass chump next to those giant pyramids.
Go DJ! Go DJ!!
I spent hours in Egypt last night. It was like a big easter egg hunt.
DJ Cheops? Who would’ve thought.
How about the golf course nearby to the northwest? “The Links at the Sphinx” maybe??
Looks like a good slice off the tee-box might catch the pyramid. Somehow I don’t think a golf course should sit that close to one of the ancient wonders of the world.
You can see the pyramids up to 6 levels of magnification. Wow.
Interestingly, on ‘map’ view you have to go to zoom level 9 before you get anything.
“There are also various other smaller pyramids for the pharaohs’ Queens which can be identified using this map. [link to external website]”
Argh, I’ve never seen a website open so many pop-ups! How I long to be at home with Mozilla… Perhaps some warning next to the link might be in order?
Safalra no popups here man. I have XP SP2, but i didn’t even get notification of a blocked popup.
Head south a little and see what I consider to be Placemark: even greater pyramids / Google Earth.
The Sakhara pyramids are one generation prior to the Giza pyramids and at these pyramids you can see how they were built (albeit with smallor stones!). They also mean a little more to me ’cause my step-daugher discovered a mummy here !
Interesting to note how exact the sides line up to the compass directions. They had some great precision back then, no?
What’s really sad: I was in Egypt in spring 2004. Those buildings just northeast where the sphinx is looking…? A KFC, a Burger King………. it’s awful to know that people are leaving the vicinity of the Sphinx and going straight for nuggets from the Colonel.
The pyramids are so much more immense than you can imagine. each block is taller than I am.
And I’m three foot five!
Here, incidentally, is one of the coolest parts of Cairo:
Placemark: Google Maps / Google Earth
The big open sqaure is the Khan al Khalil market, if memory serves me. North of that is “Islamic Cairo”, a jumble of winding streets, centuries old buildings, and lots of poverty. But it’s so incredible to walk around and see the ancient architecture and chaos of modern life… incredible.
I searched all day yesterday for pyramids with no luck.
Good thing 80+ other people knew where to look.
Hey, I can see the Stargate!
me parece muy uena forma para contrlar a mi familia
“They also mean a little more to me ’cause my step-daugher discovered a mummy here !”
ooops. It think you dropped something…
slacker says: I searched all day yesterday for pyramids with no luck.
Good thing 80+ other people knew where to look.
No doubt some of the 80 (like me) have actually been there, so we had a pretty good idea where to look. The golf course and the fast food restaurants were not there when I visited in 1980.
Just fantastic. Keep going.
Thanks
people r reali dumb who evr came up wit dj’s there was barly any music thats bull
“people r reali dumb who evr came up wit dj’s there was barly any music thats bull”
Dude, it was a joke… and learn how to spell.
While you’re in Egypt, don’t forget to check out the Temple of Karnak:
Placemark: Google Maps / Google Earth