The Egyptian Pyramids were built as tombs for
deceased Pharaohs and their consorts. For thousands of years they were the
largest structures on earth. The earliest pyramid known is that of The Step Pyramid in Saqqara. It was built in
the year 2650 B.C. Near the Step Pyramid there are many mastaba tombs belonging
to the Pharaohs family. Unlike the rooms inside the Pyramids, their walls are
richly decorated.
The best known pyramids are undoubtedly the ones
at Giza. The largest of them is The Great
Pyramid of Keops that was
built around 2589 B.C. It is 145.75 meters high. It is also the only remaining
“Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”.
The Pyramid of Khafre (143.5 meters high) is believed to be built by Mycerinus, the son
of Khafre.The Pyramid of Mycerinus that
Mycerinus started building for himself is finished by his son Shepseskaf.
The Bent Pyramid in Dahshur is considered the first ‘real’ pyramid. It's limestone
outer casing is largely in tact. Pharaoh Sneferu, who wasn't very happy with
the Bent Pyramid, ordered the building of The Red
Pyramid to the
North.
Sun Boat Museum
In 1954 a real sized old Egyptian boat was found
in a pit near the Great Pyramid. It took 14 years to put together the 1200
peaces using old materials like wooden nails and ropes of grass.