The pharaoh Khufu, like the pharaohs before him, began planning his 'house of eternity' as soon as he took the throne. A spot was chosen for building on the west bank of the Nile. Cemetries were usually built on the west bank because the sun 'died' on the western horizon every night. Khufu's architects were wise & experienced men.
They knew the importance of building the pharaoh's final resting place so that its sides faced directly north, south, east and west. They planned a large pyramid- the largest one ever built in ancient Egypt. The outlines of the pyramid were measured and marked in the desert sand. Then the building began. Large blocks of stone were cut from quarries nearby. They were dragged by groups of men across the desert to the site of the pyramid and set in place.
Most of the workers were farmers who worked on building the pyramid during the flood season when their fields were under water. After the first level of blocks was in place, the workers built ramps of mudbrick, limestone chips and clay. The workers dragged the large stones up the ramps to build the next level of the pyramid. For about 20 years, hundreds of men worked on building the pyramid. As they built each level, they also built up the ramps around the pyramid. When the pyramid was almost finished, a special block covered in shining metal (either gold or electrum) was placed on the top of the pyramid.
Then, blocks of white limestone from quarries across the Nile were used to cover the pyramid. The blocks were trimmed to make the outside of the pyramid smooth.
Finally, the pyramid was finished. Khufu's pyramid was only part of the complex built for him at Giza.
This complex had many different parts:
Three pyramids for Khufu's queens.
Several deep pits containing boats that had been buried.
A mortuary temple where Khufu would be worshipped after he died.
A causeway leading from the pyramid complex down to the valley temple.
A valley temple where the pharaoh's funeral would begin.
A small 'satelite' pyramid.
The mastaba tombs of nobles.
Then, blocks of white limestone from quarries across the Nile were used to cover the pyramid. The blocks were trimmed to make the outside of the pyramid smooth.
Finally, the pyramid was finished. Khufu's pyramid was only part of the complex built for him at Giza.
This complex had many different parts:
Three pyramids for Khufu's queens.
Several deep pits containing boats that had been buried.
A mortuary temple where Khufu would be worshipped after he died.
A causeway leading from the pyramid complex down to the valley temple.
A valley temple where the pharaoh's funeral would begin.
A small 'satelite' pyramid.
The mastaba tombs of nobles.
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