Question: In what African country is the Great Pyramid of Giza?
Show answer
Egypt.
The Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the most iconic and enduring symbols of ancient civilization, is located in the African country of Egypt. Specifically, it stands on the Giza Plateau, on the outskirts of the modern city of Cairo.
Constructed during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of ancient Egypt, the Great Pyramid is traditionally attributed to Pharaoh Khufu (also known as Cheops). It was built over a 20-year period, and historians estimate its completion around 2560 BCE. For nearly 4,000 years, the Great Pyramid held the record as the tallest man-made structure in the world, an impressive feat considering the tools and methods available at the time.
Covering an area of 13.1 acres, the original height of the pyramid was 146.6 meters (481 feet), but due to the loss of the outer casing stones over time, its current height is approximately 138.8 meters (455 feet). The precision with which the Great Pyramid was constructed, aligning to the cardinal points of the compass and astronomically with the stars, has left many awestruck and led to various theories about its construction methodologies.
The Great Pyramid is the largest of the three pyramids on the Giza Plateau and is flanked by the smaller pyramids of Pharaohs Khafre and Menkaure. Together, these pyramids, along with the enigmatic Sphinx and other associated structures, form the Giza Necropolis – a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Historically, the primary purpose of the Great Pyramid was to serve as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu. However, over the millennia, it has come to symbolize the grandeur, ingenuity, and mystery of ancient Egypt. Its massive size, precise construction, and the lack of definitive records on its building techniques have made it a subject of intrigue, debate, and admiration for generations. Today, the Great Pyramid, along with the other structures at Giza, remains a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of ancient Egyptian civilization and continues to draw millions of tourists and researchers from around the world.
